Davidson to COVID-19 IL; Reds add Aquino

CINCINNATI – The Reds made several roster moves ahead of their second game of the season on Saturday, including placing infielder Matt Davidson on the 10-day injured list for his testing positive for COVID-19.

“Definitely worrisome, as it would be for anybody in our organization,” said Reds catcher Curt Casali. “But a player who is in our clubhouse, one of our teammates, we're proud of him for making the squad after a year away from the big leagues, and then this happens -- I'm just wishing him well.”

Also coming off the active roster was catcher Tucker Barnhart, who was placed on the three-day paternity list to be with his wife, Sierra, in Indianapolis as she delivered their second child.

Cincinnati recalled outfielder Aristides Aquino and pitcher Tejay Antone from their alternate training site.

Davidson was added to the Reds’ 30-man Opening Day roster on Friday and was in the starting lineup as the designated hitter. He was 0-for-4.

“Of course, there is concern just like everyone dealing with this virus,” said Reds manager David Bell. “First and foremost, we just want Matty to take care of himself. This has become a very close team. Everyone cares a lot about one another. We just want him to focus on getting healthy, number one. But absolutely, it crosses your mind.”

There is no minimum number of days for players to spend on the COVID-19 IL, but per Major League Baseball protocols, Davidson will need two negative tests at least 24 hours apart before he can be activated to play.

“I feel like as an organization we've done a really, really nice job of following protocol and being safe, washing our hands and wearing our masks when appropriate,” Casali said. “And Matt was no exception to that.”