Yankees-Red Sox ppd after New York positive COVID tests

Updated: Jul 15, 2021 / 03:58 PM CDT

BRONX, NY – MAY 23: A general view shows the scoreboard during the New York Yankees game against the Boston Red Sox on May 23, 2007 at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx, New York. The Yankees won 8-3. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

NEW YORK (AP) — The Yankees’ post-All-Star break opener against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday night was postponed because of positive COVID-19 tests within New York’s organization.

Major League Baseball said the postponement was to allow for more testing and contact tracing.

New York was among the first major league teams to reach the 85% vaccination threshold to lessen coronavirus protocols such as dropping mask use in dugouts and bullpens.

The Yankees placed left-handers Nestor Cortes and Wandy Peralta on the COVID-19 injured list Thursday around midday.

New York players were on the field taking early batting practice about 3 1/2 hours before the scheduled start when the Yankees asked media to leave the field while the team conducted COVID testing.

Boston came onto the field as the postponment was announced to take batting practice.