Diamondbacks right-hander Mike Leake opts out of season

Associated Press
Monday, June 29, 2020 3:03 p.m. | Monday, June 29, 2020 3:03 p.m.

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AP

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Mike Leake will not play this season because of covid-19 concerns.

PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Mike Leake opted out of the 2020 season because of concerns about the coronavirus.

Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen did not elaborate on Leake’s decision during a Zoom call Monday, but the pitcher’s agent issued a statement saying he made a personal decision not to play during the pandemic.

Hazen said two players on Arizona’s 60-man roster tested positive for covid-19, as did another player not in Arizona.

The 32-year-old Leake started 10 games for Arizona after being traded from Seattle for outfielder Jose Caballero and cash in 2019. Leake went 3-3 with a 4.35 ERA and was expected to be in the Diamondbacks’ starting rotation during the 60-game 2020 season.