One hour after Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona’s positive COVID-19 test was revealed on Wednesday, the team’s matinee at the Chicago White Sox was postponed due to “multiple positive tests” within the organization.

The game is the first in Major League Baseball this season postponed due to COVID-19.

“Following multiple positive COVID-19 tests within the Cleveland Guardians organization, their afternoon road game today vs. the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field has been postponed to allow for continued testing and contact tracing,” MLB said in a statement.

Thursday is a scheduled off day for Cleveland before the start of a three-game series in Minnesota against the Twins.

Bench coach DeMarlo Hale was slated to replace Francona for the afternoon game in Chicago before the postponement.

Francona’s positive test was the first for the Guardians since three players went on the COVID-related injured list on April 20 (pitcher Cal Quantrill, infielder Owen Miller and pitcher Anthony Castro).

Hale, a Chicago native, rejoined Francona last season after stints with the Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles since assisting Francona with the Boston Red Sox. Hale subbed for Francona in 2021 when the manager took a long leave of absence for health-related reasons.

–Field Level Media