Cam Gallagher tests positive for COVID-19

Royals catcher Cam Gallagher announced he has tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the fourth Royals player this week to test positive. Catcher Salvador Pérez, first baseman Ryan O’Hearn, and pitcher Brad Keller also announced they had tested positive in the last week.

Like Pérez and O’Hearn, Gallagher is asymptomatic. Keller said he had mild symptoms akin to an allergy attack. Per MLB protocols, Gallagher will have to stay away from the team and cannot rejoin them until he has had two negative tests, has been fever-free for 72 hours, and has been cleared by a doctor.

The Royals now have all three catchers on the 40-man roster out of action. Along with Pérez and Gallagher, catcher Meibrys Viloria was placed on the Injured List earlier this week. The Royals signed former Diamondbacks catcher Oscar Hernandez to a minor league deal on Thursday.

Gallagher finished his first full season with the club last year, hitting .238/.312/.365 with three home runs in 45 games. He has been noted for his framing skills and had the inside track to be the backup catcher on the roster this year.