Outfielder Yasiel Puig reveals he tested positive for COVID-19

Cleveland Indians' Yasiel Puig walks out of the dugout after a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Friday, Sept. 27, 2019, in Washington. (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Outfielder Yasiel Puig announced Friday that he has tested positive for COVID-19.

Puig said he is asymptomatic and feels “absolutely fine” despite the diagnosis. He says he will be quarantined until he receives two negative test results.

“I am sad that this has happened, but I believe that everything is in God’s timing and that my return to MLB will happen in His perfect plan and timing for me,” Puig said in a statement on Twitter. “When I return to the field, I will do so knowing that I will have one less hurdle to overcome.”

In his statement, Puig urged people to be diligent about the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that he never would have guessed looking in the mirror that he had the virus.

“I urge everyone to take this pandemic seriously, this can happen to anyone, even the healthiest athlete,” Puig said. “Wear a mask, social distance, and follow your local protocols. Please take care of yourselves.”

Earlier this week, the 29-year-old reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Braves. Puig posted a .267 average and hit 24 home runs during the 2019 season, split between the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Indians.

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