Cubs Not Part Of First MLB Blood Test, Hope To Participate In Phase II

The Cubs are "one of the three major league teams that did not participate in the nationwide COVID-19 antibody study being concluded this week being by researchers at Stanford and USC," according to sources cited by Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC SPORTS CHICAGO. The Cubs "did not resolve discussions with their medical staff over details of the testing in time to consent." But the sources said the Cubs expect "the opportunity to be included in Phase II" of the project. A source added that the Blue Jays "did not participate in the testing" because they are not a U.S. team. Wittenmyer noted the other U.S. team that did not participate was "not immediately known" (NBCSPORTSCHICAGO.com, 4/16). In Chicago, Scot Gregor notes the White Sox participated in the study, and lead team physician Dr. Nikhil Verma "coordinated the effort." With a "big assist" from the Major League Baseball Team Physicians Association, tests were "shipped out last Friday and Saturday and the final ones were completed and returned Wednesday." Verma said, "It's really one of the first tests that asks, 'How do we look at this and see what is the prevalence of the disease in the community at large?'" (Chicago DAILY HERALD, 4/17).