Gary Sanchez latest Yankees player positive for COVID-19

The New York Yankees cannot avoid COVID-19 issues and headaches this summer. 

According to The Associated Press (h/t ESPN), New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed ahead of Thursday's game against the Seattle Mariners that catcher Gary Sanchez has tested positive for COVID-19 via a rapid test. The club was awaiting the results of a PCR test as of late Thursday afternoon. 

The Yankees recalled fellow catcher Rob Brantly from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre to replace Sanchez. 

Boone's update came after starting pitchers Jordan Montgomery and Gerrit Cole recently tested positive for the coronavirus and also after the Yankees completed series at the Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins. Florida is experiencing a concerning spike of COVID-19 cases throughout the state. 

"We were in Florida this past week and that's been one of the places with some rising cases and things like that," Boone added during his comments. "So I'm sure that could have played a role, but it's hard to know who contracted what, when and how." 

While at least 85% of New York's players are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the team had a game postponed coming off the All-Star break after six players tested positive for the virus. 

The Bronx Bombers will begin Thursday night at 58-49 and six games back of the first-place Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East standings.