Eager for a fresh start with a new team, J.A. Happ needed to slow down before throwing a single pitch for the Minnesota Twins.
The left-hander tested positive for COVID-19 upon reporting to spring training, putting his practice schedule on hold. Happ cleared virus protocols on Tuesday and took part in team workouts for the first time at camp in Fort Myers, Florida.
The rest of the Twins played an exhibition game against Atlanta in North Port. The 38-year-old Happ, who left the New York Yankees and signed in January with the Twins for $8 million this season, acknowledged feeling anxious about making up for the lost time and “pressing a little bit” in his bullpen session.