DeShields clarified Tuesday that his placement on the injured list Monday was the result of the Indians wanting to give him additional time to recover from the coronavirus, Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Since being cleared to join the Indians for workouts last weekend, DeShields hasn't suffered any setbacks in his recovery from COVID-19, but because he wasn't able to do many physical activities after testing positive for the virus in late June, he's still working to get back up to full speed. DeShields said his goal remains to get back to 100 percent before the July 24 season opener versus the Royals, but it wouldn't be surprising if the Indians kept him on the IL for their first handful of games. If that's the case, Greg Allen would likely begin the season as the top backup to Oscar Mercado in center field.

The Indians placed DeShields on the 10-day injured list Sunday due to an unspecified issue.

EDGE Analysis

DeShields' availability for summer camp was delayed by a positive COVID-19 test, but he had since passed all protocols and was cleared to rejoin the club Saturday. The Indians' decision to place him on the IL just one day later is thus somewhat disconcerting, even though the club hasn't announced a reason behind the transaction. More information on DeShields' move to the IL could become available over the next few days, but at this stage, the speedy outfielder looks like he may have a tough time gaining clearance for the Tribe's July 24 season opener versus the Royals.

DeShields (illness) was cleared to join the Indians for workouts Saturday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

DeShields tested positive for COVID-19 prior to the start of camp and was experiencing mild symptoms, but he produced two negative tests and was cleared to rejoin the team. Given that he was only experiencing mild symptoms, the 27-year-old could have time to get into game shape by the start of the regular season. The Indians will open the season July 24 against the Royals.

DeShields tested negative for coronavirus Wednesday and has been cleared to travel to Cleveland, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

League rules mandate that a player test negative twice before being allowed to return to team activities. DeShields isn't quite at that step yet, but the fact that he's been cleared to travel indicates that the team expects him to be ready to work out soon. He was reportedly experiencing only mild symptoms when he originally tested positive, so there's a decent chance he'll have time to get into game shape by Opening Day, or at least in good enough shape to fill his projected bench role.

DeShields has tested positive for COVID-19 and is recovering at home, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Players began reporting to team facilities for the start of summer training this week, but the 27-year-old won't be joining his teammates. According to Tom Withers of the Associated Press team president Chris Antonetti, DeShields is experiencing "very mild symptoms" and will need to produce two negative tests before being cleared to arrive at Progressive Field.

DeShields projected to make the roster as a bench outfielder when spring training was suspended, MLB.com's Mandy Bell reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tyler Naquin (knee) could be healthy by the time play resumes, so DeShields may be the fifth outfielder instead of the fourth outfielder he projected to be if the season had started on time. Either way, he should be on the 26-man roster bubble all season. DeShields hit .227/.280/.273 with four strikeouts in 25 spring plate appearances.

DeShields agreed to a one-year, $1.875 million deal with the Indians, avoiding arbitration, Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is his second of three years as an arbitration-eligible player. He gets a modest raise over the $1.4 million figure he received last offseason.

The Indians acquired DeShields from the Rangers on Sunday as part of the deal that sent Corey Kluber (oblique) to Texas, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rosenthal confirmed that reliever Emmanuel Clase was also sent to Cleveland, with additional pieces potentially also coming the Tribe's way. With 20-plus steals in all but one of his five seasons in the big leagues, DeShields has been able to keep himself on the fantasy radar at times, but his poor production at the dish prevented him from consistently holding down a full-time role during his time in Texas. The change of scenery might help DeShields, but he could be relegated to a depth role by the time Opening Day arrives if Cleveland has fortified its outfield with other options via free agency or trade. Oscar Mercado is likely the only Indians outfielder on the roster currently locked into an everyday job heading into the spring.

DeShields is not in Saturday's lineup against the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

He is hitting .257 with zero home runs and three steals in his last 10 games. Danny Santana will start in center field while hitting cleanup.

DeShields is not in Thursday's lineup against the Red Sox.

EDGE Analysis

He is hitting .246 with one home run and three steals in 65 at-bats this month. Danny Santana is starting in center field and hitting cleanup.