The Reds lineup got two big reinforcements for Wednesday's matchup with the Cubs.
Reds center fielder Nick Senzel and second baseman Mike Moustakas each are back in the starting lineup for the first time since Saturday.
Sonny on the hill. ☀️
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) July 29, 2020
Reds lineup presented by @PNCBank. pic.twitter.com/P8BGxVtUJJ
Senzel and Moustakas woke up Sunday "not feeling well," Moustakas landing on the injured list. There are limitations for what teams can share regarding COVID-19 testing protocols, but Reds outfielder Nick Castellanos told reporters Tuesday Senzel and Moustakas had tested negative.
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“If you look at our lineup, unfortunately with some of these f**king protocols, you know, Moose and Senzel both have negative tests, but they are unable to play until Thursday,” Castellanos said. “That’s obviously been a big letdown because both of them are big parts of our lineup.”
According to MLB's 101-page Operations Manual, players who self-report symptoms can't return until testing negative in the league's expedited diagnostic and confirmatory tests, they no longer show symptoms and the team's physician gives permission to return. These are subject to additional restrictions by federal, state or local ordinance.
Back #weirdtimes
— Nick Senzel (@LilSenzii) July 29, 2020
Senzel and Moustakas appealed to a panel of league and union representatives for their returns, according to The Athletic, both of which were granted. The Reds went 0-3 in their absences.
The #Reds' appeal was granted, both Nick Senzel and Mike Moustakas are in tonight's lineup, sources tell me & @Ken_Rosenthal https://t.co/drUWlLCHp0
— C. トレント・ローズクランズ (@ctrent) July 29, 2020