MLB denies telling Red Sox to stop testing for COVID-19 during outbreak: 'Wrong and inaccurate'
The Boston Red Sox might receive a strongly worded letter from MLB soon. MLB had to run damage control Thursday after Red Sox outfielder Hunter Renfroe said the league told the Red Sox to stop testing for COVID-19 while the team was in the middle of an outbreak.
Renfroe made those comments during an appearance on WEEI on Thursday. He said MLB told the Red Sox to stop testing players and only treat symptoms. Renfroe said the team — or the players — disagreed with the league, and opted to keep testing to try and stop the outbreak.
Hunter Renfroe on the #RedSox COVID issues:
"MLB basically told us to stop the testing and just treat the symptoms. We're like "No. We're gonna figure out what's going and keep this thing under control.""@loumerloni: MLB asked you to stop testing?
Renfroe: "Yes."— Merloni & Fauria (@MerloniFauria) September 9, 2021
That's a heavy accusation, so it was no surprise when MLB issued a statement calling Renfroe's comments, "Completely wrong and inaccurate."
MLB spokesperson on Hunter Renfroe’s comments to WEEI saying that MLB encouraged the Red Sox to stop testing following their outbreak:
“He (Renfroe) is completely wrong and inaccurate.”— Julian McWilliams (@byJulianMack) September 9, 2021
Renfroe appeared on WEEI to discuss his game-winning throw from Wednesday's game. His comments about MLB and COVID-19 testing overshadowed one of the most incredible defensive putouts of the 2021 MLB season.
Red Sox dealing with COVID-19 outbreak
The Red Sox have lost multiple players and coaches to the COVID list over the past couple weeks. The virus has spread throughout the team during that period, leading to shortstop Xander Bogaerts, outfielder Enrique Hernandez, starting pitchers Martin Perez and Nick Pivetta, and others missing games while the team battles for a spot in the postseason.
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The Red Sox are reportedly one of six MLB teams that has not reached a vaccination rate over 85 percent.
