:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69985864/1235823549.0.jpg)
Major League Baseball has announced that Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler has tested positive for COVID-19. The Braves have placed him on the injured list and recalled outfielder Cristian Pache to take his spot on the roster.
Outfielder Cristian Pache has replaced Jorge Soler on the @Braves NLDS roster, it was announced today by @MLB. pic.twitter.com/vMJtCPkNKE
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) October 12, 2021
According to the official release, Pache will remain on the Braves roster for the NLDS until Soler is approved to be reinstated.
Guillermo Heredia will replace Soler in Atlanta’s lineup for Game 4 with Adam Duvall moving over to play left field and Joc Pederson manning right. Dansby Swanson will replace Soler and move up to the leadoff spot in the batting order.
Updated Game 4 lineup: pic.twitter.com/LiKEdI5u1a
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) October 12, 2021
This is obviously a hit for the Braves who will try and close out the Brewers Tuesday night and advance to the NLCS. Soler has started all three games of the NLDS and is 1-for-11 with a double and two walks.
UPDATE - The Athletic’s David O’Brien outlines the process that Soler will have to complete before he will be eligible to return.
Before Jorge Soler can return, he must be cleared by the joint COVID-19 committee (rep from MLB, rep from MLBPA, 2 physicians). Has to be deemed non-infectious before the committee clears him. He'll be out minimum five days. So, could theoretically return during NLCS if cleared.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) October 12, 2021