Phillies bench coach Rob Thomson and utility player Scott Kingery have reported to summer camp after previously testing positive for COVID-19
Two members of the Philadelphia Phillies who previously tested positive for the coronavirus rejoined the team on Saturday after clearing protocols — utility player Scott Kingery and bench coach Rob Thomson.
Kingery and Thomson were among six players and coaches on the team who general manager Matt Klentak confirmed tested positive for COVID-19. Others include right-handed reliever Tommy Hunter and outfielder Mikie Mahtook, as well as coaches Jim Gott and Greg Brodzinski.
Per MLB protocol, Scott Kingery cleared to come to #Phillies camp after testing negative for COVID-19 twice within 24 hours. Arrived two days ago and still had to see doc for EKG, other tests. Got sick on 6/11 and still has occasional shortness of breath a month later.
— Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) July 11, 2020
Also, Hector Neris, Adam Haseley, and Aaron Nola are among those on the team who have reported to summer camp after being kept away from Citizens Bank Park due to COVID-19 protocols.
In other words, the Phillies appear to be in good shape compared to other teams in Major League Baseball. None of their players have yet to opt out of the season, either.
Young, scrappy and hungry. pic.twitter.com/HLAs9Vnl32
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 11, 2020
While the 26-year-old Kingery rejoined the team on Saturday, he did not participate in the scrimmage and was limited to just batting practice, according to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, who reports the Phillies want to “ease him back into things.”
It remains unclear whether Kingery will be available to play on Opening Day, slated for July 24, home against the Miami Marlins. So far through two seasons in red pinstripes, the Phoenix, Arizona, native has slashed .242/.291/.407 with 57 doubles, six triples, 27 home runs, and 90 RBI spanning 273 games. In the field, he has been used at second base, third base, shortstop, all three outfield positions, and even as pitcher for an inning and a third.
The widely respected Thomson, 56, has been honored by his longtime former Yankees and now-Phillies colleague Joe Girardi at summer camp, naming the team’s FDR Park site “Field 59” — with 59 being Thomson’s jersey number. Thomson has served as the Phillies bench coach since the 2018 season after being hired by former Phillies manager Gabe Kapler.