The sports world has been dramatically affected by the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. What started with multiple leagues limiting clubhouse access to only players and essential staff members has since shifted to more serious precautions being taken.
With two Utah Jazz players reportedly testing positive for coronavirus, the NBA suspended their 2019-20 season indefinitely. The NHL and MLS have since followed suit, while the NCAA opted to move forward with its annual March Madness tournament in empty arenas — at least for now.
Major League Baseball is also expected to announce the suspension of Spring Training games and a delay to the start of the regular season. Multiple teams had already been informed of the possibility of moving their home games to a different location.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were set to host the rival San Francisco Giants on Opening Day, but playing the game at Dodger Stadium would have been a challenge after the California Department of Public Health officially suggested public gatherings of 250 or more people be cancelled across the state at least through March.
With the start of the regular season likely being put on hold due to coronavirus concerns, the Dodgers have removed their scouts from assignments and canceled next week’s international scouting meetings, via Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times:
The #Dodgers pulled scouts off the road last night and canceled their international scouting meetings scheduled for next week. https://t.co/fRr6yhkKoc
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) March 12, 2020
The Dodgers are among a handful of teams that have sent their scouts home. Others to join in on the act include the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals.
Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten previously revealed that the organization was in the process of finalizing a plan in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Team primary care physician Dr. John Plosay addressed the clubhouse at Camelback Ranch last week to better inform players on COVID-19 and taking preventative action.
The Dodgers were also advised to limit interactions with fans at ballparks. Prior to Cactus League play coming to a halt, players had autographed cards beforehand and distributed them to fans rather than sign them in real time.
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