Brad Brach’s absence in Mets camp was confirmed Wednesday.
The veteran reliever has not worked out with the team since spring training 2.0 began on Friday, according to manager Luis Rojas, who said he would provide no further details. A day earlier, Rojas confirmed reliever Jared Hughes, who was signed last week, has not appeared in camp.
It is unclear if any players have tested positive for COVID-19 — through intake testing or since camp began. But general manager Brodie Van Wagenen indicated before intake-testing results had been received that a player on the 40-man roster previously tested positive for the coronavirus. The Mets are not commenting on players’ statuses for non-baseball-related ailments.
Bench coach Hensley Meulens, who had missed the first four days of workouts, has been in camp the past two days. Chili Davis is the only absent member of the coaching staff — he’s chosen to work remotely from home in Arizona because of coronavirus concerns.
Jacob Rhame, who began camp with the Mets, was claimed off waivers by the Angels. The Mets added right-handed pitcher Ryley Gilliam to their player pool.
The Mets played their first intrasquad scrimmage, which lasted 2 ½ innings. Dellin Betances, Paul Sewald, Justin Wilson, Tyler Bashlor and Jeurys Familia all saw action from the mound.
Rojas was asked about the Mets’ scheduled exhibition games against the Yankees on July 17 and 18. The first of those games is set for Citi Field, with the latter at Yankee Stadium.
“I can’t wait to see another team,” Rojas said. “I am really excited for us to face another [uniform], especially a team that we’re going to be seeing in the regular season six times, so it’s going to be good for us.”
It’s still possible the Mets could add a third exhibition game.
Amed Rosario still hasn’t acclimated to the safety protocols implemented for workouts.
“It’s been uncomfortable, just in the sense of being so distant from the players,” Rosario said through an interpreter. “It’s one of the things I have been used to my whole career and now that we can’t do it, it’s been uncomfortable.”