Marlins infielder Isan Diaz has opted out of the 2020 season. Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Marlins IF Isan Diaz opts out of 2020 season amid team's COVID-19 outbreak

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 8/1/20

The Miami Marlins have lost another player, but it's not because he's infected with the coronavirus.

According to MLB Network's Jon Heyman, Marlins infielder Isan Diaz has opted out of the 2020 season amid the organization's coronavirus outbreak.

Isan Diaz becomes the 15th player to opt out (not counting Markakis who opted back in). Only Jordan Hicks with a pre-existing condition will automatically receive pay and service time #marlins
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 1, 2020

The second baseman confirmed on his Instagram story that he is opting out of the remainder of the season and wished the rest of his teammates good luck in finishing the campaign. Diaz posted to his Instagram story, according to SB Nation's Fish Stripes blog:

“This has been a tough week to see so many of my teammates come down with this virus, and see how quickly it spreads. After much deliberation and thought, I have made the difficult choice of opting out for the remainder of the 2020 season. This has been a decision that I have discussed with my family, and I feel it’s the best one for me and my overall well-being. I will deeply miss my teammates and competing on the field. I wish my brothers the best and look forward to taking the field again with them soon!”

In his brief major league career, the 24-year-old is averaging .176 at the plate with 23 RBI and five home runs. He was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second round of the 2014 MLB June Amateur Draft.

Diaz is the only Miami player to opt out of the season, though 15 players in total have decided to sit out the 2020 campaign.

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