Two Twins coaches not cleared to join Minnesota Twins for 2020 season

Two Minnesota Twins coaches, who may be at risk for COVID-19, will be on paid leave for the 2020 MLB season.

The Minnesota Twins have made adjustments to their coaching staff leading up to the 2020 MLB season, deciding to prohibit bullpen coach Bob McClure, 68, and major league coach Bill Evers, 66, from joining the team this season.

These actions come after the Twins evaluated the health histories of all staff members, due to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Both McClure and Evers will be placed on paid leave this season, according to the Star Tribune.

Bob McClure

McClure was hired to the Twins staff in January. He had spent the past three seasons as a Twins pitching advisor in spring training. The plan was for McClure to replace the Twins 2019 bullpen coach Jeremy Hefner who accepted a position as a pitching coach for the New York Mets.

Precautions for this 2020 season has pivoted the team’s plans as Pete Maki, minor league pitching coordinator, is set to replace McClure. McClure, the former left-hand pitcher, played in the league from 1975-1993. The Californian played for seven different MLB franchises before he transitioned into a pitching coach.

Bill Evers

Evers reunited with Twins manager Rocco Baldelli for the 2019 season. The two crossed paths prior to their days with the then Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2006 and 2007. Evers served as the bench coach under Joe Maddon while Baldelli was playing centerfield for the squad.

Evers was on staff the season the Twins were one game shy of tying their franchise record for wins in season. The Twins have yet to announce who will replace Evers on staff.

2020 Season

The Twins are currently undergoing the pandemic protocol before gathering all of their players and coaches. Players who are cleared are expected to report to training on July 1 with organized workouts expected to begin July 3.

Thus far, the MLB is speculating the 60-game season to begin either July 23 or July 24.