5 D-backs placed on COVID-19 injured list

The D-backs had two players -- right-hander Noé Ramirez and outfielder Stuart Fairchild -- test positive for COVID-19, manager Torey Lovullo said Friday.

The pair were placed on the injured list, as were first baseman/outfielder Pavin Smith, right-hander Riley Smith and left-hander Joe Mantiply, who landed there as a result of contact tracing.

"We’re doing our absolute best to figure out what’s going on and how things have happened, but sometimes it’s a little tough to unravel," Lovullo said. "I know you guys want to know how long those three players will be out. That’s undetermined. I’ll get that information to you as soon as possible. We’re trying to unravel a lot of this right now. It gets a little bit confusing."

This is the first time the D-backs have had a Major League player test positive for COVID-19 during either the 2020 or '21 regular seasons. Outfielder Tim Locastro tested positive this spring and missed some time.

"I’m proud of the fact that we followed the protocols and didn’t have a breakout last year," Lovullo said. "We’ve made it four months now through the season and didn’t have any type of COVID situation affect us. I’m very proud of that. We got clipped. I don’t think we let our guard down. We were still continuing to follow the protocols. I don’t know where or when things happened or where we picked up this virus, but we did and we’ve got to deal with the consequences moving forward.”

Lovullo was asked if any of the five players were vaccinated.

“I am unable to share that information with you," he said.

Lovullo does think that the outbreak will not spread further.

“I feel very comfortable in saying that everybody who’s here right now is going to be OK," Lovullo said. "We entered today into the stadium, and downstairs we were all tested. I’m sure everybody passed through that protocol and we’re in a good spot.”