The San Francisco Giants became so wary about a possible COVID-19 outbreak that president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi emailed employees throughout the organization early Friday stating that only players and essential staffers would be allowed in the team’s home clubhouse this weekend.
By first pitch Friday night, the Giants had four players on the COVID-19 injured list, the latest being first baseman Brandon Belt, who tested positive for the coronavirus.
Outfielder Mike Yastrzemski tested positive on the team’s last trip and was placed on the COVID list. Reliever Dominic Leone joined him this week. Early Friday, so did reliever Zack Littell. PA announcer Renel Brooks-Moon, who is vaccinated and boosted, also tested positive and is taking time off from the booth.
Belt was the fourth player removed from the roster, and the Giants said all four players were vaccinated and boosted. A fifth, outfielder Steven Duggar, also tested positive. Duggar is on the 60-day IL with a strained oblique.
“We’re taking this very seriously,” manager Gabe Kapler said. “We’re encouraging the best practices and following Major League Baseball protocols.”
Zaidi said those permitted in the clubhouse were asked to take precautions including informing the team of any symptoms and masking indoors. Kapler said he wore a mask in the clubhouse and added he saw players do so as well.
“We have concerns about the level of contagiousness in our clubhouse given a string of recent positives and are taking measures to try to mitigate risks of further spread both internally and externally,” Zaidi said.
Among those not allowed in the clubhouse are media members, who regained access in 2022 after the clubhouse was closed the previous two seasons. The Giants were the first team to close their clubhouse this season over COVID concerns, and Zaidi said he consulted with MLB before making his decision.
Beyond the COVID cases, the Giants have been without injured LaMonte Wade Jr., Evan Longoria and Tommy La Stella, none of whom have appeared in a game.
With Belt out, Darin Ruf played first base Friday. The Giants added Jason Krizan, who started in left field (making his major-league debut), outfielder Ka’ai Tom and reliever Mauricio Llovera.
All had their contracts selected from Triple-A Sacramento. Because the Giants have reached “outbreak” status, they can add minor-leaguers to their roster without being forced to designate others for assignment.
In other moves, pitcher Jakob Junis was optioned to Sacramento, and lefty Darien Nuñez, claimed from the Dodgers this week, was released.
Pederson’s diagnosis: Outfielder Joc Pederson, who exited Sunday’s game with what was called groin tightness, had an MRI that showed a Grade 1 abductor strain. He wasn’t placed on the IL.
“That in and of itself is good news,” Kapler said.
John Shea is The San Francisco Chronicle’s national baseball writer. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @JohnSheaHey
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism