Mets are dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak at the worst possible time

The New York Mets are dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak at the worst possible time as a coach and several players have contracted the virus.

We will continue to update this story as we gather more information.

Right now, however, there are four known cases of COVID-19 at the New York clubhouse — an unidentified staff member, an unspecified coach, and players Mark Canha and Brandon Nimmo.

The COVID-19 IL does not require a minimum stay, but Canha and Nimmo cannot play while they have the virus.

Steve Cohen and company unveil their Tom Seaver statue at Citi Field on Friday and have enough injury problems to deal with already. Jacob deGrom and Taijuan Walker won’t be back anytime soon. Thankfully, no pitchers appear to have tested positive, at least so far.

Mets: Buck Showalter finds no excuses

Showalter has been a very vocal manager for the Mets, serving as the clubhouse leader. Earlier this week, he asked MLB to reintroduce some form of universal goo after New York hitters were knocked down 11 times in their first seven games.

“I think it’s a deeper issue with the grip of the baseball because some of our guys have the same issue,” Showalter said. “The pitchers went too far with spider tack and turned that into a pitching advantage and now I’m not so sure we didn’t go too far the other way.”

Showalter also announced that he would not retaliate and throw at opposing racquets.

So needless to say, this isn’t the kind of manager who makes excuses. Expect the Mets to be ready despite the odds against them.