Rangers relief pitcher Brett Martin tested positive for COVID-19 when he reported to the Texas training camp and is exhibiting “mild” symptoms, general manager Jon Daniels said Friday.
As a type-1 diabetic, Martin could be at a higher risk to suffer complications from the coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He was diagnosed with the condition in 2015.
Martin is the first Rangers player with a positive test, but the organization has been hit hard by the coronavirus as Texas emerged as a hot spot. On Saturday, ESPN reported that team employees said they were “terrified” after the Rangers confirmed “several” employees tested positive for COVID-19.
Before Martin can return to the team, he must have two negative tests separated by at least 24 hours. Trainers from the Rangers’ minor-league teams are in charge of contact tracing.
A 25-year-old left-hander, Martin made his major league debut last season. In 51 games (two starts), he posted a 2-3 record and a 4.76 ERA, striking out 62 in 62 1/3 innings.
