The 2020 Major League Baseball season should have been underway right now, but that unfortunately hasn’t happened due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that is sweeping the world and forcing everyone to be quarantined in their homes.
As far as MLB teams go, this hiatus is especially unfortunate for the Los Angeles Dodgers as they return a talented team and with the acquisitions of Mookie Betts and David Price, were considered the favorites by many to win the World Series.
Additionally, they were in the midst of a very strong spring in which they had very few injuries and seemed to be ready for Opening Day. One player that was dealing with a minor side/hip issue though was Joc Pederson.
He had just returned to action in a Minor League game before Spring Training was cancelled was and reports indicated he was expected to be ready for Opening Day despite not playing in any Cactus League games.
Instead, Pederson and his teammates were forced to return home and wait out the pandemic before they can get the 2020 season underway.
In an interview with David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports, Pederson revealed what he is doing to pass the time and stay in shape, and noted he will not be resuming baseball activities until a start date for the 2020 season is in place:
“I’m not really doing any baseball actives yet. I’m going to pick those up as soon as we get a definite date of when we’re going to go back. This is a new experience for me and everyone else. It’s tough. Everyone wants to be out there and we’ll get out there as soon as they let us.”
Whenever a new Opening Day is scheduled, MLB will require another Spring Training of around two or three weeks to allow players to ramp back up.
Players will likely resume baseball activities before that takes place, but everyone is still potentially months away from being able to leave their homes so there is no rush, especially for position players.
Clayton Kershaw recently revealed that he is playing catch every day at his house, which is likely the case for most or all pitchers so they can keep their arms in decent shape.
Make sure to follow us on Instagram! It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
