#Royals’ Cam Gallagher learns he has coronavirus after game

Royals catcher Cam Gallagher, who played in a simulated game Friday, tested positive for COVID-19 — becoming the fourth Kansas City player, and second catcher, in the past week to contract the virus.

Gallagher, 27, must quarantine and will not be allowed to rejoin the team until he has two consecutive negative tests, is free of fever for at least 72 hours and is cleared by a doctor, in accordance with MLB protocol. It is unclear if the test was administered before Gakkagher participated in Friday’s scrimmage.

“To say this caught me by surprise would be an understatement,” Gallagher said in a statement. “I played in last night’s intrasquad game and felt great, then received the news this morning that my most recent test had come back positive. I am asymptomatic and will continue to work as hard as I can to stay ready while I quarantine. The first couple of weeks of workouts have just made me that much more excited about tour ballclub and I can’t wait to rejoin them and compete as soon as I’m allowed.”

The Royals have not announced if other players or staff will be forced to go into isolation — pending new rounds of negative tests — since several people were in close proximity to Gallagher during Friday’s intrasquad game. As a catcher, Gallagher was unable to adhere to social distancing with every player who came to bat. Additionally, Gallagher touched countless balls he threw back to multiple pitchers, though it is unclear of the risk the virus presents upon reaching the surface of a baseball.

According to MLB protocol, any player who comes into contact with someone displaying symptoms are required to be tested as soon as possible.

Last week, Royals catcher Salvador Perez, first baseman Ryan O’Hearn and pitcher Brad Keller all tested positive for COVID-19.