We’ve just gotten baseball back, but could it be taken away just as fast?
According to a report, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has told the players association that a shutdown is possible if the sport isn’t able to better manage the COVID-19 spread.
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
Broadcasts have captured players not following protocols, which included the prohibition of spitting, high fives, and mask wearing. One unnamed MLB official stated that there were also poor choices being made off the field: “There are some bad decisions being made.”
Several teams have had to postpone games due to outbreaks. The Miami Marlins have had 21 members of the organization test positive, while handfuls of players and staff from other teams have also prompted delays.
Out of the 11,895 tests through yesterday, there were 29 positive cases.
Manfred has the power to shut down the season as Commissioner, and it sounds like that’s a possibility if the coronavirus situation isn’t better handled.
BONUS CONTENT: MLB INTRODUCES NEW 7-INNING DOUBLE HEADER FORMAT
Major League Baseball is introducing yet another change in an already unusual campaign thanks to the spread of COVID-19.
Per ESPN’s Jeff Passan, MLB and the player’s union have agreed that beginning August 1, all double-header games will consist of seven innings.
This doesn’t exactly come as a surprise, as the necessity for double headers is rising. The Phillies, Blue Jays, Yankees, Marlins, Nationals and Orioles are all behind in their schedules thanks to having games postponed due to the coronavirus spread.
