Soon after Major League Baseball suspended Spring Training games, postponed World Baseball Classic qualifying games, and delayed Opening Day for at least two weeks, Minor League Baseball announced similar measures in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Opening Day of the MiLB season was set for April 9 — the earliest MLB teams will begin its 2020 campaign — but when affiliates of the top four Minor League levels will take the field is unclear.
“In light of the current coronavirus outbreak, and after consultation with medical professionals and our partners at Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball will delay the start of the 2020 Championship Season,” MiLB said in a statement.
“We will continue to monitor the developments and will announce additional information about the 2020 season at a later date. We will work with Major League Baseball and our community partners to resume play as soon as it is safe to do so.
“The health and safety of Minor League Baseball fans, players and executives is our top priority, and our thoughts are with those around the world who have been affected by this outbreak.”
For the Los Angeles Dodgers, that directly affects Triple-A Oklahoma City, Double-A Tulsa, High-A Rancho Cucamonga and Low-A Great Lakes.
“We support the decision by Minor League Baseball to delay the beginning of the 2020 season in the interest of safety and public health due to the current COVID-19 pandemic,” the Oklahoma City Dodgers said in a statement.
“As we wait for more clarity from Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball as to when the season will begin, we will work closely with the OKC-County Health Department and Oklahoma State Department of Health in preparation for our first game at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark to provide the safest and healthiest environment for our fans.
“In addition to health officials, we will also follow best practices and guidelines established by Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball.”
The Quakes added: “The scheduled start to the 2020 Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Baseball Season has been delayed by Minor League Baseball as a result of the global COVID-19 virus pandemic. We understand this unique situation has resulted in many questions on the impact this will have on scheduled Quakes games.
“We appreciate your patience as we work with our community partners to provide answers as quickly and effectively as possible. The safety of the entire extended Quakes family remains of the utmost importance.”
Late Wednesday night, the California Department of Public Health officially suggested public gatherings of 250 or more people be cancelled across the state at least through March. California Governor Gavin Newsom additionally recommended the cancellation of all events due to attract at least 250 people.
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