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Former Indians OF Yasiel Puig tests positive for COVID-19; won't sign with Braves

Former Cleveland Indians outfielder Yasiel Puig took to social media on Friday to reveal that he's tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Earlier this week, it appeared that Yasiel Puig had found a new home when he reportedly agreed to sign a free agent contract with the Atlanta Braves.

Taking to social media on Friday, however, the 2014 All-Star revealed that he has contracted the coronavirus (COVID-19) and will remain a free agent while he recovers.

"I am so sorry to share with my fans, friends, and family who follow me and who really support me, that I have just been notified that I have tested positive for COVID-19," Puig wrote in a message posted to his Instagram account. "Although I tested positive, I am asymptomatic, and I feel absolutely fine. I will be quarantined until I receive two negative test results, which I hope will arrive shortly.

"I am sad that this has happened, but I believe that everything is in God's timing and that my return to MLB will happen in His perfect plan and timing for me. When I return to the field, I will do so knowing that I will have one less hurdle to overcome."

Puig went on to encourage his followers to take the pandemic seriously.

"I would have never believed looking in the mirror that I had COVID-19. I urge everyone to take this pandemic seriously, this can happen to anyone, even the healthiest athlete. Wear a mask, social distance, and follow your local protocols. Please take care of yourselves. I will see you all very soon when I return to play ball."

Credit: Patrick Semansky/AP
Cleveland Indians' Yasiel Puig walks out of the dugout after a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Friday, Sept. 27, 2019, in Washington.

Once considered one of the most exciting young players in baseball, the Indians acquired Puig from the Cincinnati Reds in a three-way deal that also included the San Diego Padres at last year's trade deadline. In 49 games in Cleveland, he hit for a .297 batting average (.800 OPS), but hit just 2 home runs while tallying 23 RBIs.

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