PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Mike Leake opted out of the 2020 season because of concerns about the coronavirus.
Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen did not elaborate on Leake’s decision during a Zoom call Monday, but the pitcher’s agent issued a statement saying he made a personal decision not to play during the pandemic.
Hazen said two players on Arizona’s 60-man roster tested positive for covid-19, as did another player not in Arizona.
The 32-year-old Leake started 10 games for Arizona after being traded from Seattle for outfielder Jose Caballero and cash in 2019. Leake went 3-3 with a 4.35 ERA and was expected to be in the Diamondbacks’ starting rotation during the 60-game 2020 season.
