Ross back with Cubs after being 'miserable' waiting for test results

Cubs manager David Ross returned to Wrigley Field on Tuesday after being "miserable" sitting out Monday's workout.

Ross was one of six Cubs players, coaches or staff to miss Monday's practice due to delays in their COVID-19 test results.

"Nobody wants to sit around and stew over that topic," Ross said.

But Ross didn't just go home and stew. Instead he went across the street and watched practice from a nearby rooftop.

"I got a nice seat over there," he said. "I got to watch the practice. The energy was good. I could hear the guys."

He also kept in touch with the coaching staff via text while bench coach Andy Green ran things. Ross said it was "rewarding" that the team worked so effectively without him.

Ross said a new laboratory where Major League Baseball sends tests from players and coaches could help avoid situations like Monday's in which the team was waiting for test results. That will be especially important when the team has day games, leaving less time for tests to be analyzed.

"I haven't been pending or anything," said outfielder Steven Souza Jr., adding he tries not to stress over the possibility of a positive test. "I try to control the things I can control. I can't control the results."

Two of the Cubs' first three games, against the Brewers, are afternoon games. The season begins July 24.

Still, everyone will have to have patience as the new health protocols are followed and improved.

"It's a work in progress as everything kind of is this season," he said.

Ross didn't say who else missed Monday's practice, but he suggested Albert Almora did. Almora had missed a couple of workouts after running into the outfield wall while tracking a flyball during a scrimmage.

Ross paused briefly before answering a question about Almora's status.

"He was not out there yesterday, but his status is good to go," he said, sounding like he was choosing his words carefully. "I wasn't out there yesterday either."

First baseman Anthony Rizzo would not participate Tuesday night because of recurring back stiffness, Ross said.