The Los Angeles Dodgers were scheduled to play split-squad games on Thursday but at best will only take the field at Camelback Ranch. Their matchup with the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park was cancelled due to inclement weather.
The Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers played through some rain on Wednesday night before the game was called in the seventh inning. Showers remain in the forecast throughout Thursday, which suggests the Dodgers won’t face the Oakland Athletics at home either.
Of course, there is also the underlying factor of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that is bubbling to the surface for MLB. The NBA and MLS suspended their seasons indefinitely and several NCCA conference tournaments have been cancelled.
Justin Turner was hopeful MLB would avoid suffering a similar fate, but the growing sentiment is that now appears to be a formality. The league is expected to suspend Spring Training games and delay the start of the regular season.
Shortly after Turner’s remarks, the California Department of Public Health officially suggested public gatherings of 250 or more people be cancelled across the state at least through March. California Governor Gavin Newsom additionally recommended the cancellation of all events due to attract at least 250 people.
The California Department of Public Health found gatherings such as concerts, conferences and sporting events (amateur, collegiate and professional) be postponed or cancelled. Furthermore, it suggested gatherings in venues that do not allow social distancing of at least six feet also not be held.
At present time, the Dodgers remain scheduled to host Opening Day of the 2020 season at Dodger Stadium on March 26. The edict from the state now has the season opener in danger.
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