Coronavirus Inflicting MLB 2020 Season
The Major League Baseball season is only four days into its 60 days season, and already it appears that the league is experiencing problems relating to its pandemic plan.
While the specific’s are not slim to none as a result of concerns relating to privacy, it was reported that four players from the Miami Marlins disappeared from the teams lineup. That resulted in multiple reports claiming the four had positive test results for the coronavirus.
In addition, the Cincinnati Reds announced that one of their players, Matt Davidson tested positive, and a day later, one of his teammates, Mike Moustakas was absent after waking up and not feeling well. Furthering the Reds issues, another of its players, Nick Senzel also reported not feeling well and have since been removed from the lineup.
On Monday, both the Reds and Marlins will face other teams. For the Marlins, its manager Don Mattingly stated that the organization would stay in Philadelphia on Sunday but did not provide any specific information as to why the team would not return or their home opener.
Adding to the woes of the Marlins, catcher Jorge Alfaro was placed on the injured list. While a reason was not given, they also scratched their starting pitcher, Jose Urena less than two hours before the start of the game. However, it is believed he also returned positive test results.
Ultimately, the largest concern is for the greater good of the organization and the possible spreading within the team. Obviously, boarding plane under the circumstances would place their season at risk if more came down with the virus.
MLB doing what it can to reduce spread of virus
As the season gets underway, will see the entire season of 60 games without fans. Similar to most other professional sports, the MLB is doing its part to help reduce the spread of the virus. While Canada is faring better than its neighbours in the U.S., the risk of spreading through large gatherings remains high, and therefore, in order to get permission, the MLB had to agree to closing the doors to fans.
In addition to the loss of revenue resultant on fan participation, there are some MLB teams such as the Toronto Blue Jays who are unsure if they will be able to play due to health concerns. Either way, the MLB season will be different, and it is unknown if it will be embraced by the viewing public, or suffer additional troubles relating to poor results.