St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina is among the list of six players who have openly decided to acknowledge they've contracted COVID-19. The Cardinals reportedly had as many 13 players and staff testing positive for the novel coronavirus.
Infielder Paul DeJong is also among those who have tested positive, along with Junior Fernández, Rangel Ravelo, Edmundo Sosa, and Kodi Whitley.
“I am saddened to have tested positive for COVID-19, even after adhering to safety guidelines that were put in place,” Yadier Molina said in a statement, per the club's Twitter account. “I will do everything within my power to return as soon as possible for Cardinals fans, the city of St. Louis and my teammates.
“As I recover, I request that you please respect my privacy and family in my absence from the team.”
Major League Baseball has been flooded with coronavirus cases despite only being underway for two weeks. The Washington Nationals, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, and the Cardinals have been among the teams affected by this pandemic, virtually shutting down 20% of the league.
The Red Birds started the season 2-3, but have already missed three games due to COVID-19, including a double-header against the Brewers. Due to health and safety protocols, they will be forced to miss their entire four-game series against the Detroit Tigers, forced to wait until Friday night's matchup with the Chicago Cubs.
That's a whopping seven games that St. Louis will have to make up down the stretch, likely in seven-inning double-headers to speed up the process. Though many have begun worrying about how realistic finishing out the 2020 season might be — even after being shortened to 60 games.
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