San Luis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina confirmed that he is one of the team’s players who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Molina, nine times selected for the All-Star Game, revealed his diagnosis in a message he posted on his Instagram account. Soon after, the Cardinals issued a statement in which they identified six infected players.
Three are infielders: Panamanian Edmundo Sosa, Cuban Rangel Ravelo and Paul DeJong. Junior Fernandez and Kodi Whitley, both pitchers, are the other two.
“I am saddened to have tested positive for COVID-19, even after having followed the prevention recommendations,” Molina wrote on Instagram.
“I will do everything in my power to return as soon as possible for the fans of the Cardinals, the city of San Luis and my teammates,” added the Puerto Rican star. “As I recover, I ask that you respect my privacy and that of my family during my absence from the team.”
Cardinals manager John Mozeliak reported Monday that seven players and six employees tested positive. At the time, Mozeliak said those affected would not be publicly identified because they declined to release their names.
The Cardinals said Tuesday that six players gave their permission to release their identities.
In his Instagram account, Sosa pointed out that he does not suffer from symptoms. “I will do everything possible to recover and contribute to my team,” he added.
“I will try to heal myself the same way I do other things in my life – with education, commitment and persistence. I wish to rejoin the team soon and I beg you for privacy at this time, “said DeJong in the statement released by the club.
The outbreak in the Cardinals ranks caused the postponement of the three-game series they were to play this weekend in Milwaukee and another of four games in Detroit between Monday and Thursday. St. Louis has only been able to play five games this season and is confident of returning to activity on Friday at home against the Chicago Cubs.
For now, the infected Cardinals have returned home and the rest of the team remains isolated in their hotel rooms in Milwaukee. His last game was on July 29 in Minnesota.
Mozeliak detailed Monday that five of the 13 members of the Cardinals expedition who tested positive had no symptoms. The other eight had minor symptoms: headaches, cough, runny nose, and moderate fever. Mozeliak mentioned that none of the eight have required hospitalization. AFP (HN)