Eight members of Red Sox in COVID protocol

At least eight members of the Red Sox organization have entered contact tracing as a result of Saturday’s COVID-19 news.

Matt Barnes tested positive for the virus and has started a mandatory 10-day quarantine at his Florida home. Boston counts four individuals who were considered close contacts with Barnes, subjecting them to a mandatory seven-day quarantine from the time of their potential exposure.

The Red Sox are likely to be somewhat limited among their pitching staff and, possibly, their coaching staff for Opening Day against the Orioles on Thursday. Four others are under what Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association describe as extra scrutiny through their mutually agreed-upon protocols announced in February.

“I’m going to stay away from names,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “You guys will see throughout the next three days. You guys are smart enough.”

Matt Andriese was scratched from his scheduled Saturday start against the Pirates in Grapefruit League action. Garrett Richards last pitched on Tuesday against Atlanta and isn’t among the scheduled starters through the spring finale. Garrett Whitlock last worked on March 19 against the Rays. The Rule 5 Draft pick from the Yankees was previously informed by Cora he would make the 26-man roster out of camp.

“It’s just another feature of the season we all have to contend with,” Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said. “This is why we have focused so much on doing the right thing and trying to adhere to the protocols.