Twins sideline 2 coaches in 60s for 2020 as coronavirus precaution: report
MLB team announced last week several players, staff member had tested positive
The Minnesota Twins told two older staff members, classified as high risk for the coronavirus, they will need to take the season off.
The Star Tribune in Minneapolis reported Monday that coaches Bob McClure, 68, and Bill Evers, 66, were told they cannot work with the players or other coaches when spring training resumes on Wednesday at Target Field.
The Twins reviewed the health histories of the staff members and decided to sideline McClure and Evers.
McClure, who pitched 19 seasons in the majors, was named bullpen coach in the off-season. Evers was heading into his second season as a major league coach. He played four seasons (1976-79) in the minor leagues.
Last week, the Twins announced an unspecified number of players and one staff member tested positive for COVID-19.
The Twins are believed to be the first team to keep older coaches off the field. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said eight of every 10 people in the United States who have died from the virus have been 65 and older.
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli is just 38, but there are major league managers over age 65. Dusty Baker of the Houston Astros is 71 and the Los Angeles Angels' Joe Maddon is 66. Both veteran managers are in the first season with their clubs.
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Twins?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Twins</a> manager Rocco Baldelli said it was heartbreaking to tell veteran coaches Bob McClure, 68, and Bill Evers, 66, that they will not be on the coaching staff this year because of health and safety concerns with COVID-19. "I can't imagine how it feels.''
—@BNightengaleAdditionally, managers over 60 include Cleveland's Terry Francona (61), Atlanta's Brent Snitker (64), Boston's Ron Roenicke (63), Colorado's Bud Black (62) and Detroit's Ron Gardenhire (62).
