The Toronto Blue Jays will not be playing in the Rogers Centre in Toronto this year. The Canadian government has blocked the Blue Jays, citing health concerns.
Marco Mendicino issued a statement on the denial.
In response, the Blue Jays statement, said the team, “extends its sincerest thanks to Mayor Tory, the City of Toronto, and the Toronto Public Health.”
Three options remain for the Blue Jays. They could play in Buffalo NY, Dunedin FL, or share Tropicana Field with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Buffalo
Buffalo is the home of the team’s Triple-A affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons. The team plays at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, New York. Built in 1988, the field could offer familiarity to the young players. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette played there recently.
Erie County, where Buffalo is located, has seen a fall in Covid-19 cases. However, New York still has very high numbers of Covid-19 cases, offering health concerns.
Dunedin
The Blue Jays could turn to their Single-A affiliate in Dunedin, Fl. The ballpark just went through renovation. Unfortunately, cases in Florida have been on the rise. Pinellas County, where Dunedin is located, has seen a large increase. However, with the guidelines set by MLB, the Blue Jays could play there.
Tampa
The final spot the Blue Jays could play would be Tampa. In Tampa, the Blue Jays would share Tropicana Field with the Rays. However, cases in Tampa have also seen a rise, and Florida may have to shut down again soon.
Safest Place
With Florida beginning to talk about a possible lock down, Buffalo would be the safest place. Cases are falling in Erie County, as well as rising drastically all over the state of Florida. Also, with the close proximity to Philadelphia, Boston, New York City, and Baltimore, travel will be easier.
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