MLB Hitting Leader Owen Miller 1 of 3 Guardians Added To COVID List

CLEVELAND, OH —First baseman Owen Miller —the major league's leading hitter —was one of three Cleveland Guardians placed on the COVID-19 injured list Wednesday, the team announced.

Miller, starting pitcher Cal Quantrill and relief pitcher Anthony Castro were moved to the IL just before the Guardians' doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox.

According to ESPN, Cleveland manager Terry Francona said all three players reported symptoms and underwent tests on Tuesday. When the tests came back positive, the players immediately entered the league's health and safety protocols.

According to SI.com, MLB protocols indicate that a player may return to the team if they've produced two negative COVID-19 tests within five days. Otherwise, they are not allowed to return for 10 days after their initial diagnosis.

"They all feel fine," Francona said, according to ESPN. "That's good, but it's frustrating."

Miller is hitting .500 (14-for-28) on the season with seven doubles and two home runs. His 1.509 on-base plus slugging (OPS) is the best in the majors.

Guardians' utility infielder Yu Chang also went on the IL on Friday after testing positive for COVID-19.

Francona said he hopes the cases do not continue to mount for the Guardians, who have started the season 4-5.

"I don't know that we're out of the woods yet," Francona said. "I hope we are, but we don't know yet. Unfortunately, in a clubhouse, there is a lot of close contact."

To replace the missing players, the Guardians have called up pitchers Kirk McCarthy, Tanner Tully and Enyel De Los Santos from Triple-A Columbus.