Elephant Rumblings: Cincinnati Reds to resume playing Wednesday

Good morning, Athletics Nation!

Tuesday was a slow news day in baseball, but maybe that’s not so bad right now. It seems like every day in 2020 (both in MLB and the world overall) brings some kind of enormous development or scandal or imminent concern, and it gets exhausting after a while. We could all use a break sometimes.

Oakland A’s fans got that respite in our own right, as the A’s got shellacked in a 10-1 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The game was over by the 2nd inning and around 4:00, and there was nothing long-term worrisome to dwell on about it, so the best move was to pretend it had actually been an off-day and take a walk or something (lol, just kidding it was 104 degrees outside also). They’ll do better today — like mathematically speaking, they almost have to.

Looking around the rest of the league, the Cincinnati Reds had a more literal off-day on Tuesday. They sat out last weekend after one player tested positive for coronavirus, but so far it’s an isolated case and all other results for the team have come back negative. Even still, the league is growing more cautious about the virus and potential outbreaks, after experience gained in the Marlins and Cardinals situations, and they decided to cautiously wait one more day before getting the Reds back in action. Cincy will play a doubleheader today (against the Royals) to make up for missing yesterday, reports insider Jon Heyman.

The Reds aren’t out of the woods yet, though. The incubation period of the virus can vary in length, and it’s possible that someone exposed to the player who tested positive may not themselves test positive for up to a week or two. But for now, so far so good.

Stay safe and heathy, everyone!

A’s Coverage

• Hickey: With Laureano Back in Athletics’ Lineup, Will Batters Resume Getting HBP?
• Hickey: When You’re Talking Hendriks, You’re Talking Heaters
• Coffey: Frankie Montas’ confidence goes missing, A’s pay the price ($$$)
• Kawahara: Are the A’s early strikeout numbers a reason for concern? ($)
• Game #24: A’s lose 10-1 in Frankie Montas’ return

MLB News & Interest

• Polishuk: Astros Place Yordan Alvarez On 10-Day Injured List
• Today in Baseball History

Yesterday’s Game Highlights

Tuesday: Loss! By a lot. Enjoy some dot racing instead.

Best of Twitter

Frankie’s fine

Update on the Beloit Snappers-Or-Maybe-Another-Name

Hate the Astros all you want, but you’ve gotta love Greinke (who also wasn’t on the team when they cheated, for what it’s worth)

The Natural