BREAKING: If MLB Doesn’t manage COVID-19, Season May Be Shutdown

Overtime Heroics Editorial

1157 days ago

Over the last several days, MLB has had to cancel games due to COVID-19 positive tests. This started off on Opening weekend when the Miami Marlins have had more than 13 players test positive for coronavirus. The Marlins have not played since last Sunday and are still M.I.A as of this week but plan on playing next week. Now over the last few days, we have learned that this is not just a one club issue. If this trend continues and MLB doesn’t manage COVID-19, the season will be in jeopardy.

Earlier today, MLB commissioner, Rob Manfred told the MLBPA that if this trend continues, he will have no choice but to shut down the season no matter what.

BREAKING: #MLB commissioner Rob Manfred warns of a league shutdown if the coronavirus isn’t managed better

— Overtime Heroics (@OT_Heroics) July 31, 2020

Other teams involved are the Philadelphia Phillies, who played the Marlins last weekend but have been told to self isolate.

Phillies have not had any positive tests yet. However, they had to close their ballpark, Citizens Bank Park after two clubhouse workers tested positive for COVID-19.

As of today, the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers were set to start a series at 1:05 pm, however, some Cardinals players tested positive this morning. They plan on playing tomorrow’s scheduled game. Despite that, they are going to play a double-header on Sunday if no other players test positive.

This weekend is seen as a crucial juncture for the sport, both in terms of hoping for a limit of positive tests and in players abiding by protocols. Local health officials have been troubled by the lack of mask wearing, high-fiving and spitting by players, according to sources.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 31, 2020

Conclusion

As of this Friday afternoon, the Nationals, Blue Jays, Marlins, Phillies, Brewers, and Cardinals are all postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. That is about 20 percent of the leagues games on the slate that are not being played and have to be made up. In a 60-game sprint, they will not have time to make up game after game. This week alone, they have had to postpone at least one or two games each day. If MLB doesn’t manage this, it seems Rob Manfred may have to pull the plug on the 2020 season.

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