Yadi, DeJong among six Cardinals who acknowledge positive test results

ST. LOUIS – Lineup stalwarts Yadier Molina and Paul DeJong are among six St. Louis Cardinals players who granted their permission to the club to announce that they tested positive for COVID-19.

Also acknowledging positive test results are infielders Edmundo Sosa and Rangel Ravelo and pitchers Junior Fernández and Kodi Whitley.

“I am saddened to have tested positive for COVID-19, even after adhering to safety guidelines that were put in place,” Molina said. “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.”

Said DeJong: “I am disappointed to share that I have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, even though I followed team protocols. I will approach my healing as I do all other things in my life – with education, commitment and persistence. I look forward to rejoining the team soon and ask that you respect my privacy at this time.”

The club also announced that Monday’s round of testing produced no further positive results.

The Cardinals have not played since losing in Minnesota last Wednesday. Positive test results began arriving while the team was in its Milwaukee hotel waiting to start a weekend series with the Brewers. That series was postponed, as was a series this week in Detroit.

The Cardinals hope to resume their regular schedule Friday against the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium.

Players who tested positive have returned by car to St. Louis to self-isolate. The rest of the club’s traveling party remains in quarantine in Milwaukee. The hope is to return to St. Louis for workouts Wednesday and Thursday in advance of Friday’s game against the Cubs.