The Twins will be without shortstop Andrelton Simmons for an undetermined about of time after he was placed on the COVID-19 related injured list on Wednesday.
Details of why Simmons has been placed on the COVID list weren’t announced by the team, but The Athletic’s Dan Hayes reports that Simmon has tested positive and is experiencing mild symptoms.
Andrelton Simmons experiencing mild symptoms per the #MNTwins.
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) April 14, 2021
According to reports, the rest of the team was undergoing COVID-19 testing on Wednesday morning. The team announced last week that most players have received the vaccine, though Simmons said in March that he would not be getting vaccinated.
I’ve received some questions and some requests regarding the vaccine. And for personal reasons and past experience I will not be taking it or advocating for it. I hope I don’t have to explain myself. And hope you all make the best decision for you and your family’s health
— Andrelton Simmons (@Andrelton) March 26, 2021
Hayes says “early indications” are that the rest of the team is currently OK.
Early indications are rest of #MNTwins are OK as far as COVID-19. But team is stressing players and coaches must stay vigilant over next few days.
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) April 14, 2021
To replace Simmons, the Twins called up JT Riddle from the alternate training site in St. Paul (St. Paul Saints). Riddle is starting at shortstop for the first game of Minnesota’s doubleheader against the Red Sox Wednesday.
Minnesota also recalled outfielder Alex Kirilloff from St. Paul to be the 27th man on the roster for the doubleheader.
Game 1 of the doubleheader is at 1:10 p.m. Game 2 will be played immediately after the first game. Both games will be 7 innings.
