When dealing with COVID-19, erring on the side of caution is always important. A growing number of Major League Baseball teams are finding themselves grappling with positive tests for players or staff, and it’s increased that sense of caution to an unsettling level. Earlier on Friday, the news broke that a scheduled Cardinals-Brewers game would be postponed. This followed a series of Phillies-Blue Jays games also being postponed. And of course, the Marlins’ season remains on pause after their outbreak. If this looks like a worrying trend to you, you’re not alone.
Now, ESPN is reporting that Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred has told MLB Players Association executive director Tony Clark that the remainder of an already-shortened season might be at risk.
BREAKING: MLB commissioner Rob Manfred told MLBPA executive director Tony Clark on Friday that if the sport doesn’t do a better job of managing the coronavirus, it could shut down for the season, sources tell ESPN.
Story at ESPN: https://t.co/o0OL7JzowN
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 31, 2020
Sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan that Manfred warned Clark that if teams did not keep COVID-19 better managed — for example, by following the protocols that MLB has established – Manfred has the authority to end the season prematurely; Passan writes that several players are concerned that that step could come within the next few days.
Multiple players briefed on the call fear that season could be shut down as soon as Monday if positive tests jump or if players continue not to strictly abide by the league’s protocols.
Observers within the league and local governments have expressed concern over players engaging in contact outside of the league’s previously-established protocols. This prompts one significant question: namely, if players are high-fiving (prohibited under the current protocols) on the field, are they also avoiding those protocols when off the field?
The next few days will be a critical moment for the league and its teams — and they might determine if the current season has a future.
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