The MLB lockout not only brought free agency and other business to halt, but players have not had access to team facilities since December. There initially was an expectation those recovering from injury would be permitted to use team buildings, but that didn’t come to be.
Such guidelines have heavily impacted a team like the Los Angeles Dodgers, who had the likes of Caleb Ferguson, Tommy Kahnle and Dustin May all going through the Tommy John rehab process. Justin Turner also has been affected, as he usually works out at Dodger Stadium during the offseason.
In January, the Players Association (MLBPA) reached an agreement with D-BAT that allowed members of the union with at least one day of service time to use their facilities for free during the lockout.
As the lockout has now impacted Spring Training, the MLBPA assembled a training camp for players in Arizona and will likely follow suit in Florida as well, per Evan Drellich of The Athletic:
The MLBPA has organized a training facility in Arizona, and there’s interest in doing the same in Florida, source says. @ByRobertMurray on the Arizona facility
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) February 28, 2022
D-BAT is a nationally operated indoor baseball and softball training facility that offers automated batting cages, private lessons, and camps and clinics, among other amenities.
Thus far MLB canceled Spring Training games through at least Monday, March 7. The more time that passes without a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in place, the less likely it becomes Cactus League and Grapefruit League games begin next week.
As for the regular season, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred canceled Opening Day and the first two series of the regular season.
Turner adjusted because of MLB lockout
With access to Dodger Stadium shut off through most of the offseason, Turner resorted to finding other means for workouts.
“A lot of workouts in my house and I’m going and hitting with Doug Latta at his facility — that’s not really new — I’m just going more often with him,” Turner recently explained. “And getting out to local junior colleges, hitting on the field, taking ground balls and stuff. It hasn’t been that difficult. It’s just different.”
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