As Major League Baseball has continued to take action in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it not only has thrown the 2020 season into question but also created a domino effect of uncertainty.
At the time of cancelling all remaining Spring Training games, MLB additionally delayed the start of the season by a minimum of two weeks. Given the climate, challenges and threats posed by the coronavirus, holding Opening Day on April 9 seemed to optimistic.
As the likelihood of starting the season on that date appeared less and less realistic, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed as much on Monday when he announced the league would abide by the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to not have mass gatherings of 50 or more people.
The state of limbo has been particularly concerning for stadium employees across the sport and Minor League players. According to Kyle Glaser of Baseball America, the Los Angeles Dodgers are among the teams still paying Minor Leaguers as though it were business as usual for MLB:
The Mets and Dodgers also confirmed they will continue to pay minor leaguers the allowances they normally receive during spring training.
When asked about the possibility, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman previously hinted at the organization financially supporting their Minor Leaguers during the coronavirus shutdown.
The Dodgers nonetheless are said to have sent the majority of their Minor League players home, with a few exceptions allowing some to remain at Camelback Ranch.
Meanwhile, MLB and the MLB Players Association remain in contact as they negotiate financial terms and other business-related matters for players on a 40-man roster.
As for Dodger Stadium employees, Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten said the team is exploring how to best go about providing support during the period of lost regular season games.
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