BRADENTON, Fla. -- Attributing it to an "overabundance of caution," the Pirates deep-cleaned their spring training facility Tuesday after a man in Manatee County tested positive for coronavirus over the weekend.
The Pirates' spring home in Bradenton is a part of Manatee County, Fla..
Jeff Passan of ESPN first reported the story, and it was later independently confirmed to DK Pittsburgh Sports by the Pirates' vice president of communications, Brian Warecki.
The cleaning was not a reaction to a concern that an employee or anyone close to the team was carrying the virus, but the Pirates wanted to take advantage of the off-day Tuesday to clean the clubhouse, offices, press box, suites, dugouts and concession stands, just to be safe.
Pirates players and employees briefly reported to their spring home in LECOM Park Monday morning before traveling for a road game.
“The safety of our fans, players and staff is paramount," Warecki wrote in a team statement Monday afternoon. "We continue to monitor the situation very closely and are working with our expert partners at AHN and Highmark, as well as with MLB, to ensure we are up to date on any developments and are actively considering the appropriate precautions.
"It is too early in the fact-finding process regarding the reported case in Manatee County to comment on any potential impacts on our operations. We encourage everyone to listen to and rely upon the advice and guidance of the public health experts.”
The Pirates plan to hold a meeting with players Wednesday to address proper safety protocols.