Although Major League Baseball and the Players Association were unable to agree on an economic plan for the 2020 season, the two sides worked together to finalize necessary health and safety protocols this week.
MLB initially submitted a 67-page document to the union last month, addressing concerns and outlining what must be done to ensure players remain healthy during a potential 2020 regular season.
Among other guidelines, it called for physical distancing, the elimination of high fives, spitting, and a ban on the use of therapy pools and similar amenities. The final document merely suggested that showering at stadiums is discouraged.
Players that fall under the “high-risk” category are also eligible to sit out the 2020 season and still be fully compensated. That has since expanded to players who have family members with underlying health conditions.
“From my standpoint this is a very personal decision and matter,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said of those contemplating potentially opting out of the season.
“We want people to feel comfortable to bring up if they’re concerned or scared or whatever the case may be. 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. I think we’ll learn more about this over the weekend and next week, but obviously we would welcome those conversations with any players and/or staff.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts echoed similar sentiments and believes the club could soon have some clarity as to who might ultimately sit out the 2020 season. “For me, as far as on the day-to-day, I think there’s going to be a lot put on players to do their own homework,” he said.
“There’s going to be virtual meetings, stuff on computers, conversations by way of phone or text with training staff and strength and conditioning. You’re not going to have the liberties we’ve had in the past to work with players and put your hands on them all the time.
“I think there’s going to be concessions made both ways. With Major League Baseball kind of limiting the amount of people, the time in the clubhouse, all that stuff lends itself to being more safe. But like Andrew said, any individual person’s thoughts and concerns, we want to hear them and we’ll support anything they feel.”
Roberts added he will be getting in touch with players over the coming days to get a feel for where they stand. “Honestly, this is something none of us have ever experienced,” he said.
“Andrew and I collectively haven’t talked to every player on the roster yet. We plan on getting on a Zoom call with these guys in the next couple days and I could get more information individually from them.
“I think it’s a day-to-day thing. Things are going to come up, people might be affected more than others, so it’s just conversations that we’ve got to take day by day.”
Joe Kelly admitted to considering exercising the right to sit out the 2020 season but said he couldn’t get past the thought of letting the team down.
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