I don’t want to start freaking immediately, because we don’t know the details of the positive test and how it was traced.
But, at some point this week, the Cardinals apparently had another positive COVID-19 test, this time from a coach:
Friday Cards game looks like it will be postponed. Hear a STL coach tested positive. Saturday not ruled out yet. https://t.co/tJwjPDJQU4
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 13, 2020
After the initial outbreak began over two weeks ago, the Cardinals have been drip-drip testing positive, possibly in part because of a decision to end the initial quarantine a day or two too early. This virus is so challenging.
I don’t know much about the reliability of those flight tracking efforts, but I do know that playing on Friday was always a long shot based on the Cardinals’ inability to even get together on the field to work out. The hope had been that they could work out as soon as today and tomorrow, and then play three games against the White Sox this weekend over the course of the two days.
Now? Once again, I don’t know what to think. We’ll update as this shakes out. It all changes so quickly. The Cardinals still have 55 games to play and only 44 days in which to play them. And that’s IF they could start playing on Saturday.
UPDATE: It’s unclear how this relates to the positive test reported by Heyman, but this is still the hope:
Friday’s #Stlcards game at the #WhiteSox also is going to be postponed. The hope by MLB is to have the teams play a doubleheader on Saturday, which would return to the Cards to the field for the 1st time since uly 29. @BNightengale 1st
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) August 13, 2020
UPDATE 2: Just to confirm the earlier report:
Source: Another staffer on the Cardinals has tested positive, but the team continues to work toward a return to action. The team may bring back Jose Oquendo to coach third base. Players may drive rental cars individual to Chicago to play vs. CWS this weekend.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) August 13, 2020