Blue Jays shut down spring training facility due to COVID-19 concerns, reports say

DUNEDIN, Fla. (WFLA) – The Toronto Blue Jays who hold spring training in Dunedin have shut down their spring training facility after a player exhibited COVID-19 symptoms.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Blue Jays player exhibiting the symptoms is a pitcher on the 40-man roster who recently had spent time with players in the Phillies’ minor league system.

The news comes following five players and three staff members have tested positive for coronavirus at the Philadelphia Phillies’ Clearwater facility.

A Blue Jays spokesperson tells WFLA:

The Toronto Blue Jays confirm that personnel at the club’s Spring Training facilities in Dunedin, FL, have undergone testing for COVID-19, after a player presented symptoms consistent with those of the virus. The Blue Jays are following protocols put in place for this scenario, including guidelines from MLB and the club’s medical team. As a result, the Blue Jays have suspended operations at their Dunedin facilities for the time being.  

Multiple teams have been affected by the coronavirus in the Tampa Bay area including the Buccaneers, the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Phillies, and the USF Bulls football team all in the past 48 hours.