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Dodgers relief pitcher Joe Kelly had his suspension reduced from eight to five games on Wednesday, which wasn’t a big enough reprieve for the MLB Players Association.
“While we understand the concerns raised by the league with respect to a bench-clearing incident during this challenging season, we’re disappointed by the decision,” the MLBPA said in a statement, per the Associated Press. “It was an unfair result for Joe Kelly given the cases presented.”
Kelly is on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation, and can’t start serving the suspension until he’s activated from the IL. The earliest possible date Kelly could return is August 25, when the Dodgers are in San Francisco to face the Giants.
Gonsolin’s COVID-19 delay
One of the reasons Tony Gonsolin started the season at the alternate training site at USC was that he was behind after reporting to summer camp late, on July 8, after missing the first five workouts at Dodger Stadium. He said he tested positive for COVID-19 in the week before camp was to start, as part of intake testing.
“There’s no way to prove it, but I’m pretty sure I got a false positive corona test,” Gonsolin said. “I tested positive once, and I’ve not tested positive since then.”
Gonsolin joins Kenley Jansen, A.J. Pollock, and Scott Alexander as Dodgers who revealed they tested positive for COVID-19.
“I was just trying to get ready as quick as I can and stay as healthy as I can be,” Gonsolin said. “And then, when I get my opportunities up here, take advantage.”
Links
- Among the notable stats at the quarter mark highlighted by Michael Clair at MLB.com was Corey Seager’s 21 batted balls hit 100 mph or harder.
- Tim Newcomb at Forbes talks about the technological infrastructure upgrades to Dodger Stadium, and the potential switch to a cashless experience.
- There won’t be an induction ceremony in Cooperstown until 2021, but the Baseball Hall of Fame opened up its 2020 inductees exhibit, which highlights the achievements of Derek Jeter, Larry Walker, Ted Simmons, and Marvin Miller.