CLE-CWS PPD; coaches following safety protocols

CHICAGO -- The series finale between the Guardians and the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field was postponed on Wednesday afternoon due to multiple positive COVID-19 tests within Cleveland’s organization.

The team announced on Thursday that the following members of the coaching staff are observing MLB Health and Safety protocols: manager Terry Francona, bench coach DeMarlo Hale, hitting coach Chris Valaika, assistant pitching coach Joe Torres, first-base coach Sandy Alomar, third-base coach Mike Sarbaugh and Major League hitting analyst Justin Toole.

"We continue to test team personnel and conduct contract tracing for the affected individuals," the club said in a statement. "Carl Willis will serve as acting manager this weekend in Minneapolis and will be supported by other individuals throughout the organization until the members of our coaching staff are able to rejoin the team.”

On Wednesday, the club announced that Francona, Hale, other uniformed personnel and some traveling support staff all tested positive that morning, prompting the postponement. The Guardians have not specified which other individuals are expected to help Willis with his temporary managing duties throughout the weekend in Minnesota.

The postponed game will be made up on Saturday, July 23, as part of a split doubleheader, with the makeup game starting at 1:10 p.m. ET and the regularly scheduled contest starting at 7:15 p.m.

As of now, Cleveland is planning to keep its rotation in order for this weekend's three-game series against the Twins in Minnesota, assuming no further positive tests pop up. Aaron Civale (who was supposed to pitch on Wednesday) is now scheduled to start the opener on Friday night, moving Shane Bieber (Saturday) and Triston McKenzie (Sunday) each back one day.