Michael Conforto’s offseason workouts were derailed by a positive test for COVID-19.
The Mets outfielder revealed Sunday that he had the virus about two weeks before reporting to spring training and fell behind schedule in preparing for camp.
“I was very lucky,” Conforto said. “I had really mild symptoms. My fiancée had it more on the moderate side, she experienced everything. I certainly had some shortness of breath and it wasn’t easy for me, being so close to spring training I was really trying to work out, and I just couldn’t do that.”
Conforto indicated he had been inactive for 12 days when he arrived at camp, but by the official start of workouts he felt built up enough to participate in a normal progression.
Conforto has spoken to the team trainers about whether he needs the COVID vaccine now that he’s acquired antibodies through the infection. He said he wasn’t comfortable revealing whether he would get vaccinated.
“It’s a personal choice and everybody has their own opinions on whether or not they are going to get vaccinated,” Conforto said. “What I will say is when we get home anyone who wants the vaccine will be able to get one and I think that is a good thing for the league, a good thing for the teams.”
With the Phillies sending left-hander Matt Moore to the mound, manager Luis Rojas was considering the possibility of starting Kevin Pillar and placing him in the leadoff spot over Brandon Nimmo. Rojas also mentioned Jeff McNeil as a possibility to bat leadoff.