The Mets’ next steps in their coronavirus nightmare

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For the Mets it’s just spit and wait. After three straight days of COVID-19 testing — that involved spitting into a tube — the Mets continued to await notification from MLB on Saturday on the possible resumption of their season. The increased testing has occurred in the aftermath of a Mets position player and coach …

For the Mets it’s just spit and wait.

After three straight days of COVID-19 testing — that involved spitting into a tube — the Mets continued to await notification from MLB on Saturday on the possible resumption of their season.

The increased testing has occurred in the aftermath of a Mets position player and coach testing positive for the coronavirus in recent days, forcing the postponement of the team’s series finale in Miami in addition to the entire weekend Subway Series at Citi Field.

As of Saturday morning, there had been no additional positives among the Mets, according to an industry source, but the team was awaiting more results.

If the virus hasn’t spread, it’s conceivable the Mets could work out Monday and the next day begin their regularly scheduled series against the Marlins. But if testing reveals additional positives, it’s possible the Mets’ layoff would stretch deep into the week.

The Reds recently had a player test positive for the coronavirus and had three games postponed over four days. On the more extreme end, the Cardinals continued to receive additional positive tests after an initial outbreak and went two weeks without playing.

One possibility that seems unlikely is the Mets and Yankees playing on Monday’s mutual off day. Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated Saturday he wasn’t expecting Subway Series action on Monday, the day before his team begins a series in Atlanta and the Mets face the Marlins at Citi Field.

The Yankees and Mets are scheduled to play three games in The Bronx next weekend, but doubleheaders could be added as needed. The teams also have mutual days off on Sept. 3 and 14.

In addition to rescheduling the Subway Series games, the Mets must find a makeup date for their postponement last Thursday in Miami. The Mets and Marlins are scheduled for a three-game series this week, but a doubleheader could be added given that the teams won’t meet again in the regular season.

The Mets could ideally use Monday as a workout day, as players have not been allowed to use Citi Field this weekend. The Mets last played on Wednesday in Miami, winning 5-3 after Michael Conforto homered in the ninth for the go-ahead runs. A day later, with Seth Lugo ready to enter the starting rotation, the Mets were notified about an hour before the scheduled first pitch of the positive test results.

After consulting with medical personnel and MLB, the Mets decided to fly home from Miami rather than check into a new hotel in a city that has been a coronavirus epicenter. The Mets flew home on a bigger jet than normal, in assigned seats that were socially distanced. During the flight, players and staff were prohibited from removing their masks, even for food and drink.

After arriving back to Citi Field, the entire traveling party was tested. The player and coach who tested positive, along with anybody determined to be in direct contact with either one, remained in Miami to quarantine. Players and coaches returned to Citi Field on Friday for further testing. The additional tests were performed Saturday.