One day after cancelling all remaining Spring Training games, postponing the World Baseball Classic qualifying games, and delaying the start of the 2020 season by at least two weeks, Major League Baseball additionally suspended camps as the sport grapples with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Major League players can elect to return home, remain in their Spring Training cities, or return to their Club’s home city,” their statement announced. “This step is in the best interests of players, employees and the communities who host Spring Training.
“MLB will continue to monitor ongoing events and undertake the precautions and best practices recommended by public health experts. We send our best wishes to all the individuals and communities who have been impacted by coronavirus.”
MLB’s announcement came after meeting with the MLB Players’ Association. The two sides are expected to continue their dialogue throughout the weekend.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had previously indicated the club planned to hold voluntary workouts at Camelback Ranch. He also anticipated most, if not all, players remaining in Arizona.
“Our guys are pretty adamant about wanting to stick around, because it is only two weeks,” Roberts said. “It just makes sense to keep the doors open, but again, it’s their prerogative.”
In the wake of MLB’s latest announcement, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said the team was in the process of determining what course of action players would take.
“I think right now the health and well being of everybody and their families — some guys have their families here and are going to want to stay. Others are going to want to go home, some are going to want to go to L.A.,” he acknowledged.
“From our standpoint, it’s about facilitating whatever our guys choose to do and support them the best that we can as we continue to learn more.”
Although an April 9 start date for the 2020 regular season has not officially been ruled out, it’s appearing unlikely. Instead, there is a growing sense Opening Day will not come until some time in May.
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