Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes, the team’s top position prospect, has tested positive for covid-19, manager Derek Shelton announced on Sunday.
Hayes has not practiced with the Pirates at all during training camp at PNC Park and remains in quarantine.
“He’s not back with us yet,” Shelton said of Hayes.
Hayes is the fourth Pirates player to give the team permission to confirm he tested positive, joining outfielders Socrates Brito and Gregory Polanco and relief pitcher Blake Cederlind.
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Hayes, son of former Pirates infielder Charlie Hayes, was the Pirates’ first-round pick (No. 32 overall) in 2015. A Gold Glove-caliber defender who slashed .265/.336/.415 with 30 doubles, 10 home runs and 53 RBIs in 110 games last season at Triple-A Indianapolis, Hayes is regarded as the team’s top position prospect by MLB.com.
After being optioned to the minors in mid-March, Hayes missed a chance to challenge for a spot on the 30-man Opening Day roster when he wasn’t able to participate in training camp. It’s possible he could be sent to the team’s alternate training site in Altoona.
“Anytime we lose development time, it’s challenging for us,” Shelton said. “It’s important, not just for ‘Key’ but for all of our prospects. This is a big year for us. We have to be very thoughtful of how much work we get them, and try to get them as much work as possible. Anytime we lose prospect time, it’s challenging but it’s something we’ll adapt, adjust and move forward with.”
