>>Chiefs Expecting Suspension For CB Breeland

(Kansas City, MO) — The Chiefs anticipate starting the season without cornerback Bashaud Breeland. ESPN reports they’re expecting a four-game suspension for him for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Breeland was arrested in April on multiple charges, including drug possession.

>>Chiefs’ Reid Says Opt-Outs Are At Player’s Discretion

(Kansas City, MO) — Chiefs head coach Andy Reid doesn’t want to get into a debate about whether players should play or skip this season due to the coronavirus. Reid said at practice that opt-outs are at the players’ discretion. The deadline for players to opt out of the 2020 season is tomorrow afternoon. Running back Damien Williams has opted out for the 2020 season as he reported his mother is battling cancer.

The Cubs gave up two runs in the ninth, but held on to beat the Royals 5-4 at Wrigley Field. Jason Heyward and Jason Kipnis hit two-run homers and Willson Contreras added a solo shot for Chicago. Kyle Hendricks pitched seven innings of two-run ball for the win. Kyle Ryan got the save after Craig Kimbrel struggled in the ninth. The Cubs have won five in-a-row and are 7-and-1 at home and 9-and-2 overall.

Royals rookie Brady Singer took the loss for KC, which has dropped five straight to fall to 3-and-9. Adalberto Mondesi went 3-for-4 with an RBI in defeat.

The Cardinals are clear to return home and to the field. Cardinals president John Moleziak says the team can return home to St. Louis and is expected to take the field against the Cubs Friday. Six Cardinals have been announced to test positive for COVID-19. Among them are catcher Yadier Molina and shortstop Paul DeJong.

The Cardinals will have to play 55 games in 52 days. That will included doubleheaders which are being dropped to seven-inning games.

The Cardinals also made roster moves on Tuesday, activating INF Brad Miller from the 10-day Injured List.

The following players have been placed on the IL:

▪️C Yadier Molina
▪️SS Paul DeJong
▪️SS Edmundo Sosa
▪️RHP Junior Fernández
▪️RHP Carlos Martínez
▪️RHP Kodi Whitley

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina tested positive for COVID-19.

“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 in 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 respect my privacy and family in my absence from the team.”

Paul DeJong, Junior Fernandez, Rangel Ravelo, Edmundo Sosa, and Kodi Whitley were among the players to test positive, according to the Cardinals’ statement.

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

Alec Mills outdueled Danny Duffy as the Cubs shut out the Royals 2-0 in Chicago. Mills allowed just three hits over seven innings to improve to 2-and-0 on the season. Rowan Wick got the final four outs for his second save. Javier Baez lofted a sac-fly in the fifth and Kris Bryant homered in the seventh to supply the Cubs’ offense. Chicago is 8-and-2 overall and 6-and-1 at home. Ryan O’Hearn doubled for the only extra-base hit for KC. The Royals fell to 3-and-8.

Duffy allowed one run in six frames to fall to 0-and-2 with the tough-luck loss.

Royals manager Mike Matheny said Duffy’s command of his fastball and changeup was the best he’s seen.

Duffy was happy with his outing and he worked out of a jam in the fifth inning when he loaded the bases with no outs. Duffy had walked a couple of batters, but got Anthony Rizzo to pop up. He gave up a run scoring fly out to Javier Baez and then retired Willson Contreras on a ground out to escape with just the one run allowed.

STATEMENT FROM THE CARDINALS

The four-game series between the Detroit Tigers and the St. Louis Cardinals at Comerica Park from Tuesday, August 4th through Thursday, August 6th has been postponed.

The Cardinals have had 13 members of the organization test positive for COVID-19, including seven players and six staff members. The team will stay in Milwaukee and their personnel will continue to be tested daily. The tentative plan is for the team to resume its regular schedule on Friday against the Chicago Cubs in St. Louis.

First, an update on the COVID-19 testing for the St. Louis Cardinals in Milwaukee.

Two Cardinals players tested positive for COVID-19 last Thursday. One additional Cardinals player tested positive after a rapid test was taken on Saturday. In addition, three staff members tested positive. The club stayed in Milwaukee Sunday night as planned and are awaiting additional test results. The team is scheduled to leave Milwaukee Monday for Detroit where the first of four games is scheduled on Tuesday.

To pass time in their hotel rooms, some of the Cardinals have gotten creative. Jack Flaherty leaned a mattress up against the wall and kept his arm loose by throwing a ball into it. Adam Wainwright had some fun with his golf clubs, setting up multiple trick shots. Some of them were quite impressive.

First one… in the remote stand box pic.twitter.com/R2kpgx1SYq

— Adam Wainwright (@UncleCharlie50) August 2, 2020

>>White Sox Crush Royals For Sweep

(Kansas City, MO) — Yasmani Grandal drove in three runs as the White Sox crushed the Royals 9-2 in Kansas City. Nicky Delmonico also drove in a pair of runs for Chicago, which swept the three-game series. Dylan Cease gave up two runs in six innings for the win. The Sox have won four straight overall. Alex Gordon homered for the Royals. Scott Barlow took the loss. KC has dropped five-of-six.