Cubs quality assurance coach Mike Napoli is back with the team. The 38-year-old missed Summer Camp and the start of the season after testing positive for COVID-19 at home in Florida.
Cubs manager David Ross said Napoli tested negative for the coronavirus twice at home and went through the intake process in Chicago, getting cleared Friday. The club disclosed Napoli’s positive test last week.
“He’s here, smiling, has a fresh haircut,” Ross said Friday. “It looks like he’s rocking the mullet for us. He’ll bring us a little edge. It’s nice. Nap’s got an energy about him that’ll be nice for the group.”
Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who trained with Napoli during baseball’s shutdown, called the 38-year-old’s return a “nice shot of energy.”
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“I feel like our team has been very energetic and upbeat, and through all of this craziness, it’s been pretty fun coming to this clubhouse and engaging with all of our guys and teammates,” Rizzo said. “Nap’s been around for a long time. He understands hitting, he understands the grind.
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“For us to be able to pick his brain from here on out will be a nice addition for us going forward.”