Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Leake announced Monday he was opting out of the 2020 season, becoming the first MLB player to officially do so. That was followed shortly after by Washington Nationals teammates Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross doing the same.
Colorado Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond also joined the group, announcing his decision on Instagram. Desmond made his decision know at the end of a lengthy essay in which he addressed a wide array of issues plaguing clubhouses and the sport as a whole.
Desmond also made it clear he doesn’t feel comfortable taking the risk this season due to having a pregnant wife and four young children at home.
His thoughtful remarks resonated with many across social media, including Los Angeles Dodgers utility man Kiké Hernandez, who commended Desmond with a post to his Instagram story.
Kiké Hernandez joined those praising Ian Desmond for the message he shared on opting out of playing this season.https://t.co/gD2HfDuiTT pic.twitter.com/x1DwnSEIXC
— Matthew Moreno (@MMoreno1015) June 30, 2020
Now that teams have officially submitted their initial player pool for the 2020 season, there figures to be an influx of opt outs. Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and manager Dave Roberts both said they would support any player who decided to sit the year out.
“From my standpoint this is a very personal decision and matter. We want people to feel comfortable to bring up if they’re concerned or scared or whatever the case may be,” Friedman said. “We want to have those conversations with staff, players.
“We’ve definitely had conversations with a few players that are concerned. Not necessarily rising to the level of opting out. For the people that are really concerned, we want to help, be around and try to help with what is a really personal decision.”
Joe Kelly admitted he gave serious consideration to opting out this year but ultimately felt as though he would be letting teammates down. AJ Pollock has considered the possibility as well due to his wife giving premature berth.
Meanwhile, those with prior health issues — such as Roberts, Scott Alexander and Kenley Jansen — have each maintained they don’t feel at greater risk being part of a season that’s played amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
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