On Friday, the St. Louis Cardinals had to cancel their game after two players tested positive for COVID-19. On Saturday morning, more bad news broke.
Cardinals now dealing with COVID-19 outbreak
According to Trevor Plouffe of Jomboy Media, “at least four more Cardinals players” have tested positive for COVID-19.
Then Craig Mish reported that “several” players have tested positive, and Jon Heyman of MLB Network also heard that “multiple” Cardinals personnel tested positive.
If true, this brings the team’s total up to at least six — which means the Cardinals are now dealing with a full-on outbreak of the novel coronavirus.
As noted by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, this would certainly mean Saturday’s game against the Brewers would be delayed, and there is a strong possibility the Sunday double-header would be as well.
It could also lead to more serious consequences overall for MLB as a whole.
Rob Manfred could shut down 2020 MLB season due to COVID-19
On Friday, multiple reports emerged that MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred had a call with MLBPA executive director Tony Clark. On that call, Manfred reportedly told Clark that players had to get their act together because the MLB season is in danger of being canceled.
Jeff Passan of ESPN broke the story initially.
“Should another outbreak materialize, Manfred, who has the power to shut the season down, could move in that direction,” Passan wrote. “Multiple players briefed on the call fear that season could be shut down as soon as Monday if positive tests jump or if players continue not to strictly abide by the league’s protocols.”
The first domino was the Miami Marlins coming down with a massive outbreak of positive COVID-19 cases. To date, 18 people in the organization have tested positive.
Now it appears the Cardinals are dealing with an outbreak of their own, which could be the proverbial final straw that breaks the camel’s back.