It’s getting worse

MLB fights to stem a surge in positive tests, postponed games.

Major League Baseball’s hopes of salvaging its 2020 season amid a pandemic took another ominous turn Saturday, when the St. Louis Cardinals received word of additional positive tests for coronavirus, requiring the postponement of a second Cardinals-Brewers game in Milwaukee and deepening the level of pessimism around the sport that the season can go on.

The Cardinals, who reported two positive tests Friday, saw another four positives on Saturday, one of which was a player, using rapid tests. For the second consecutive day, that night’s Cardinals-Brewers game was called off — the 16th game of this MLB season to be postponed — though at this point, a scheduled doubleheader for Sunday is still on, pending the results from the saliva samples sent to MLB’s laboratory.

The Cardinals outbreak is one of two that has arisen in the past week, casting doubt on the sport’s ability to contain the virus and safely navigate a 60-game regular season.

The Miami Marlins have seen 18 players and two coaches test positive in the past week, halting their season until Tuesday, when they are expected to resume following an eight-day hiatus.

“We are playing,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said.

“The players need to be better [about following health and safety protocols], but I am not a quitter in general and there is no reason to quit now. We have had to be fluid, but it is manageable,” he added.

Red Sox

Left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez will miss the entire season because of heart inflammation caused by COVID-19. He has been on the injured list since mid-July and has not pitched. Rodriguez was a career-best 19-6 last year with a 3.81. The Red Sox said July 7 the 27-year-old had tested positive for COVID-19. A team official said the Red Sox are confident Rodriguez will make a full recovery.

Brewers

Milwaukee outfielder

Lorenzo Cain has decided not to play the remainder of the 2020 season. The Brewers announced the two-time All-Star’s decision Saturday, when their scheduled home opener against St. Louis was postponed for a second consecutive day because multiple members of the Cardinals tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Cain was 6 for 18 with two RBIs in his first five games this season.

Marlins

Second baseman Isan Diaz has opted out of the season becoming the first Miami player to do so. He played in two of the Marlins’ three games.

Angels

Three-time AL Most Valuable Player Mike Trout and his wife, Jessica, announced the birth of their first child, a boy named Beckham Aaron Trout. Trout left the Angels Thursday on the paternity list. Angels manager Joe Maddon said he believes Trout, who turns 29 this month, will return to the Angels shortly, but the team won’t rush him.