Following in the footsteps of the NBA, MLS, NHL and others taking action, Major League Baseball announced the rest of Spring Training was suspended, and Opening Day of the 2020 season is to be postponed by at least two weeks due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“I think it’s responsible in light of what’s obviously going on,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said from Camelback Ranch on Thursday. “Obviously, we’re all excited about getting this season going and guys were preparing.
“But for the players, Major League Baseball, to understand the gravity of this, and a lot of it is because of the unknown, I think we’re doing the right thing right now.”
Luckily for MLB, their season has not yet started so they will essentially just push everything back by a couple of weeks. It could be delayed even more, depending on how much the virus continues to spread in the coming weeks.
For the time being though, players will continue their preparation for the 2020 season. The Dodgers plan to remain at Camelback Ranch and keep their Spring Training facility open for optional workouts.
“Allowing players to stay in shape, to prepare for the season and just being mindful of trying to stay out of harm’s way,” Roberts explained.
The Dodgers have not required that players remain in Arizona, but Roberts believes the entire team will do so. “Our guys are pretty adamant about wanting to stick around,” he said. “It just makes sense to keep the doors open, but again, it’s their prerogative.”
That most, if not all, are on board with remaining at Camelback Ranch is not surprising, considering several Dodgers position players were in camp well before their required report date last month.
Of course, with how unpredictable matters have become, the MLB Players’ Association is likely to work with MLB to determine a course of action in the event the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread and players don’t want to stay at their respective Spring Training facility.
“Until we get more educated on this coronavirus, I think players are concerned about family members, travel and all that logistical stuff,” Roberts acknowledged. “You’re talking about housing here in Arizona and back home. Obviously that’s very minor considering what’s out there, but as far as the logistics side, I think guys are trying to wrap their head around it.”
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