Exactly two weeks from Opening Day, Major League Baseball announced Spring Training games were suspended and the season opener was to be delayed by at least two weeks in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Given the unprecedented nature of the situation, MLB and other professional sports leagues are exercising caution. Meanwhile, MLB and some of its teams initially attempted to keep with as normal of a routine as possible.
That included the Dodgers, who planned to remain at Camelback Ranch and hold voluntary workouts. Manager Dave Roberts anticipated most, if not all, players remaining in camp. But while the Dodgers are providing that option to their players, Roberts is mindful of not pressing matters.
“The tricky part is, I think players will argue Spring Training in itself is too long. Now you’re adding two weeks on, so to go with this same pace, is a lot to ask,” he said.
“I think you’ve got to understand and back off a little bit to keep guys engaged and focused. There’s a balance. I think that communication with me, the front office, the players, is important.”
Further complicating matters is the two-week delay being a minimum. At present time it’s hardly a guarantee the 2020 season would begin April 9, the earliest possible date in MLB’s timeline.
“That’s not cemented, because we still need to learn more,” Roberts noted.
“So that variable is certainly not set in stone, so that’s an unknown. Until we get more educated on this coronavirus, I think players are concerned about family members, travel and all that logistical stuff. 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.
“This is new territory. I remember the ’95 season, Spring Training shortened. And then there’s obviously been some viruses that have been out over the last decade-plus, but something like this, I don’t think I’ve been a part of anything like this.”
Since Roberts outlined how the Dodgers intended to move forward, MLB and the MLB Players’ Association came to an agreement and instructed players to leave Spring Training camps.
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