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Report: Marlins pitcher Jose Urena tests positive for COVID-19, scratched from start vs. Phillies

The Marlins did not disclose why Urena was replaced by righthander Robert Dugger. Teams are forbidden from saying if players are unable to play due to the coronavirus. Jon Heyman, a national baseball reporter, tweeted that Urena tested positive for COVID-19 but “feels fine.”

Miami Marlins right-handed pitcher Jose Urena throws a pitch during the first inning of a Spring Training game against the Houston Astros at FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020 in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Miami Marlins right-handed pitcher Jose Urena throws a pitch during the first inning of a Spring Training game against the Houston Astros at FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020 in West Palm Beach, Fla.Read moreDaniel A. Varela / MCT
    by Matt Breen
    Published 

Marlins starting pitcher Jose Urena was scratched shortly before Sunday’s game against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park after testing positive for COVID-19, according to a report.

The Marlins did not disclose why Urena was replaced by righthander Robert Dugger. Teams are forbidden from saying if players are unable to play due to the coronavirus. Jon Heyman, a national baseball reporter, tweeted that Urena tested positive for COVID-19 but “feels fine.”

Heyman also reported that the Marlins had two “starting position players” test positive. The team placed catcher Jorge Alfaro on the 10-day injured list before Friday’s opener but did not provide a reason why.

» READ MORE: Phillies pitching coach Bryan Price absent from Saturday’s game, following MLB’s coronavirus protocols

Urena had a 5.21 ERA last season 842/3 innings. The 28-year-old has a 4.27 career ERA in 17 games against the Phillies and was Miami’s opening-day starter in 2018 and 2019. Dugger, 25, made seven major-league starts last season and posted a 5.77 ERA.