As virus strikes in Philadelphia, Blue Jays' series this weekend is postponed

The Jays' three-game series this weekend in Philadelphia has been postponed after two Phillies staffers have tested positive, reportedly a coach and a clubhouse attendant. After Thursday's 6-4 loss in Washington, the Jays are now in limbo for a few days. 

Manager Charlie Montoyo said via Zoom following the game that his team will be staying in Washington for a few more days.  The Blue Jays don't play again until Tuesday night in Atlanta, so Montoyo said they'll take Friday off and then work out in Nationals Park on Saturday and Sunday before flying to Atlanta and taking Monday off.

Prior to the game, Montoyo floated the idea of working out in Sahlen Field this weekend but that isn't yet feasible due to the ongoing upgrade working going on at the ballpark.

The Jays are scheduled to open a 25-game home schedule in Buffalo against the Marlins on Aug. 11 but Miami's status is uncertain after its outbreak of the virus. A 17th Marlins player tested positive Thursday and two Miami coaches have done likewise.

Lights are being adjusted, Auxiliary Locker rooms and batting cages are being built in preparation for the @BlueJays to play a portion of their home games at Sahlen Field in Buffalo,NY. pic.twitter.com/5oKt7vznC1

— Harry Scull Jr (@hsjrphoto) July 30, 2020

The Marlins and Phillies have not played since completing their series Sunday and the outbreak has cost both of them seven games. Among other teams, the Blue Jays and Nationals are both down three games while the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles are down two.

"We had everything ready with the Phillies, matchups and everything, but that's not going to happen now," Montoyo said. "The main thing now is go day to day, Saturday and Sunday have the live BPs and have guys ready to go for Atlanta."

The Blue Jays' series in Philadelphia was originally slated to open Friday but that was pushed back a day while the Phillies awaited more test results on their players and staff. Citizens Bank Park is closed until further notice.

The teams had agreed to play a doubleheader Saturday and a single game Sunday. The Blue Jays were to bat as the home team as this was initially the first series targeted for Sahlen Field, until the Blue Jays and MLB determined more time was needed to get the ballpark ready.

MLB officials are trying to tighten protocols, reinforcing some of the new rules for 2020 with teams and recommending players stay in their hotels while on the road. Teams are also going to be forced to appoint a Covid-19 specialist to travel with them and be the point person for all issues.

"You're trying to change people's minds that's been done over 100 years of baseball," Montoyo said. "The high-fives and spitting and all that stuff. Everybody needs to get better at that. No excuses.

"We're trying to keep reminding guys not to do that. It's just the human thing. Something good happens and you want the fist or whatever. Little by little we've got to stop that. Some videos I've seen, you've seen the other teams doing things (they should not be)." 

The sudden downtime is just another twist in the season for the Blue Jays (3-4) who spent more than two weeks trying to find a home site until learning they would come to Buffalo. They're still more than a week away from getting here.

"It's a hard situation. I'm going to try to stay safe, try to stay in my room," said outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, whose two home runs Thursday gave him the major-league lead with four. "Just not for me, for my teammates and my team. That's going to be the key for every team: To keep their players healthy for the short season that we have."