The Cleveland Indians are starting spring training without their ace and reigning Cy Young winner Shane Bieber after he contracted COVID-19.
Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti announced the news on Thursday, a day after pitchers and catchers reported to the team's Goodyear, Arizona spring training facility. Antonetti expects Bieber to join the team soon.
Bieber expected to join team 'within the next few days'
“He has very, very mild symptoms,” Antonetti told reporters. “In fact, they were barely noticeable, and — like I said — he’s working through the protocols to return.