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Twins' Andrelton Simmons Placed on COVID-19 Injured List After Positive Test
April 14, 2021
Minnesota Twins shortstop Andrelton Simmons reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday and will be placed on the COVID-19 injured list, according to the Associated Press (h/t ESPN).
Per that report, Simmons chose against being vaccinated on Thursday when the Twins were given the option to receive a single-dose vaccine at Target Field.
Minnesota's president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said the shortstop was experiencing "very mild" symptoms. He'll have to quarantine for at least 10 days as a part of MLB's protocols regarding the coronavirus.
Simmons tweeted in late March that he would not be getting the vaccine:
Andrelton Simmons @AndreltonI’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
“We have to monitor his symptoms and determine whether or not he remains symptomatic or if there’s a change in symptoms,” Falvey told reporters. “If he doesn’t and he persists in everything just kind of as-is, much like J.A. Happ when we had the beginning of major league camp, if we can test him at the end of this process then he can return in 10 days.”
Falvey told reporters the Twins held a team meeting to continue upholding the league's coronavirus protocols despite the majority of players receiving the vaccine.
"We're not out of the woods by any means on that front," he said. "Now is the time to be as vigilant as possible."
Infielder J.T. Riddle was called up from the organization's taxi squad to replace Simmons on the roster. The Twins have started the season 5-5 as they look to reach the postseason for the third straight year and fourth time in five seasons. The Twins have not won a playoff series in their impressive run, however.
