MESA, Ariz. – The Chicago Cubs scratched right-hander Yu Darvish and second baseman Jason Kipnis on Thursday because of illness.
In a series of tweets in Japanese, Darvish said he had a cough Wednesday and expressed reluctance about entering the clubhouse amid the coronavirus outbreak, but he then posted that he didn't have a fever or the flu.
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Theo Epstein, the president of baseball operations for the Cubs, said he didn't have “full information right now,” but it was his understanding it was a daily illness. The team said later in the day that Darvish was feeling better and could work three innings as soon as Friday, possibly in a simulated game.
Kipnis was seen in the clubhouse before Chicago's 5-0 spring training loss to Texas.
The Cubs also scratched first baseman Anthony Rizzo due to a blister on his right middle finger.
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