Chili Davis won’t be on site when full-squad workouts begin Friday at Citi Field.
The Mets hitting coach, according to sources, will work remotely – at least in the short term – amid COVID-19 concerns. The 60-year-old Davis resides in Arizona, where coronavirus cases have surged in recent weeks. Davis does not have the virus, but will work remotely for precautionary reasons. Players were awaiting test results in New York on Wednesday for clearance to begin workouts. Any player or staff member testing positive must quarantine for two weeks.
Earlier this week, general manager Brodie Van Wagenen indicated he was awaiting notification if all the team’s coaches would participate in spring training 2.0.
On-site duties, at least in the short term, will be handled by assistant hitting coach Tom Slater. Davis’ remote work would include watching video of hitters and communicating to them through Zoom.
Davis remained the hitting coach last offseason after agreeing to a two-year contract amid an overhaul of the field staff. He previously served as the hitting coach with the Athletics, Red Sox and Cubs.
Manager Luis Rojas is scheduled to hold a Zoom press conference on Thursday, at which time he is expected to address the coaching staff situation. Rojas’ staff also includes pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, bench coach Hensley Meulens, third-base coach Gary DiSarcina, first-base coach Tony DeFrancesco, bullpen coach Ricky Bones and assistant pitching coach Jeremy Accardo.