Braves general manager misses World Series win after positive COVID-19 test

The general manager for the Atlanta Braves, Alex Anthopoulos, missed out on the team’s World Series’ victory celebration Tuesday night following a positive COVID-19 test result, reports The Associated Press. 

Anthopoulos has said he tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday and he was back in the Atlanta area as the Braves took the World Series, defeating the Houston Astros, according to the AP. 

He said he was not “going to take any chances” and said that his kids wife “are fine,” adding, “we just had our own little World Series party at home,” according to the AP. 

Anthopoulos and his wife are fully vaccinated and no one in his family has shown any coronavirus symptoms, according to the AP.

Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said following the game, according to the AP, “I hate that he’s not here. He’s such a big part of this.” 

The general manager is credited for a lot of what went into the Braves’ World Series victory as he had gotten deals before a trade deadline in July to strengthen the team’s lineup.

“I can’t say enough about Alex. I always say the only thing he’s guilty of is he never stops trying to make this thing better. He’s just a tireless worker, he and his staff, trying to make this club better all the time. He’s never going to cash the chips in ever. If there’s ever slightly a chance or a glimmer of hope, he’s going to go out and go for it,” said Brian Snitker, coach and manager of the Braves, according to ESPN. 

Anthopoulos has managed the Braves since November 2017, according to the AP. 

Previously, Braves slugger Jorge Soler had to miss five playoff games after he tested positive for COVID-19, though he was able to join his team for the World Series win Tuesday, writes the AP. 

According to ESPN, the Atlanta Braves defeated the Houston Astros Tuesday night, earning them their first World Series championship victory since 1995.