While there were initial questions as to whether camps would be able to open on time this year, Major League Baseball and the Players Association are now planning for Spring Training to start as scheduled.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have not yet announced dates for players to report to Camelback Ranch, but that typically is by the second week of February. Their Cactus League schedule begins Feb. 27 with a road game against the Chicago Cubs.
Though it is looking likely that Spring Training won’t be delayed, a few questions still remain, such as how many players teams can invite to camp. According to Ronald Blum of the Associated Press, the widespread availability of a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine will dictate when Minor League players can report to camps:
“We are still evaluating many issues that affect both the major league and minor league schedules, including, most importantly, when it is likely that players and staff will be vaccinated,” Peter Woodfork, MLB’s senior vice president of minor league operations and development, wrote in a letter to big league clubs that was obtained by The Associated Press.
“Assuming that a vaccine is not available to players and staff at the beginning of major league spring training, there is a strong possibility that minor league spring training will be delayed for players who otherwise would be assigned to Double-A, High-A, and Low-A because clubs have informed us that there is not sufficient space at spring training facilities for all of the players in an environment requiring strict physical distancing.”
Two vaccines were approved by the FDA for emergency use, but they only just recently started rolling out, prioritizing healthcare workers and high risk individuals.
For those reasons, it appears unlikely that enough doses will be available to cover every player and staff member in camp, meaning Minor Leaguers (excluding Triple-A) may have to wait longer to report this year.
Price promotes safety to curb pandemic
David Price recently took to Twitter to promote safety and remind citizens to wear a mask out of concern matters may only continue to get worse.
The left-hander did not pitch for the Dodgers last year after opting out, but all indications point to him returning this season.
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