MLB shutting down, will delay regular season amid coronavirus worries
PORT ST. LUCIE — Major League Baseball, like much of the rest of the sports world, screeched to a halt Thursday because of coronavirus.
The league canceled the rest of spring training and is delaying the start of the regular season by “at least” two weeks following a conference call with commissioner Rob Manfred and all 30 team owners.
“This action is being taken in the interests of the safety and well-being of our players, Clubs and our millions of loyal fans,’’ Manfred said in a statement. “MLB will continue to evaluate ongoing events leading up to the start of the season.”
Teams are expected to continue to have workouts at their spring training sites in Florida and Arizona, but a source indicated players would not be mandated to attend. The league also said it hopes to resume “normal operations as soon as possible.”
Tony Clark, the head of the Players Association, said: “Players are of course disappointed they won’t be able to compete on the field. At the same time, they recognize the importance of public health and safety.”
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