The 2021 MLB season is planned for 162 games. It remains to be seen if the AL and NL can avoid COVID-19 pitfalls. And before the first pitch has been thrown a pothole with the Washington Nationals. The pandemic may have been curtailed by the vaccine but it is a long way from over. Stay safe.
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April 1
Mets-Nationals Postponed
The Mets-Nationals game tonight is being postponed, re COVID issues.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) April 1, 2021
That's not necessarily correct. They've only said it will be no sooner than Saturday. https://t.co/IG0m6XgK5W
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) April 1, 2021
March 31
5 Nationals to Miss Opening Day
Five Washington #Nationals players will miss opening day after a COVID-19 positive https://t.co/0PdCQYNLj3 via @USATODAY
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 31, 2021
March 7
Indians Duo Sent Away from Team
Jose Ramirez and Franmil Reyes both broke COVID-19 protocols and will be away from the team. Both players were immediately sent home and the team is awaiting word from MLB when they will be allowed to return.
Nov. 18
MLB Closing Manhattan Offices Until February
#MLB has informed workers at its Midtown Manhattan HQ by email that its offices will be closed until at least February. League staff had been operating on a staggered schedule since around Labor Day (Terry Lefton).
Free to read: https://t.co/XOI86HDiHr pic.twitter.com/GuaIlULJzz
— Sports Business Journal (@sbjsbd) November 18, 2020
Oct. 29
Wife of Rays’ Player Tests Positive for Covid-19
#Rays news: Team did not get through the #WorldSeries without a COVID-19 issue. The wife of one of their players (thus far unidentified) tested positive, and they drove home from Dallas. No other players or staff have tested positive. https://t.co/CfbFnq8xjt
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) October 30, 2020
Oct. 28
Dodgers’ Justin Turner Played, Tested Positive for Covid-19
The Dodgers won their first World Series in 32 years. And since it is 2020, there has to be a Covid-19 issue. After the game, FOX reported LA third baseman Justin Turner left in the sixth inning because of a positive Covid-19 test. How he was playing to begin with has yet to be explained by MLB.
Sept. 19
David Ortiz Recovering from Coronavirus
"Man, this is no joke. You don't realize how crazy this is until it hits home"
David Ortiz on his experience after him and his brother test positive for COVID-19…#RedSox | https://t.co/sl8J2jXXRR pic.twitter.com/ZmCptkcciq
— NESN (@NESN) September 19, 2020
"This is no joke."
David Ortiz revealed he recently tested positive for COVID-19. https://t.co/Ps0tB0r033 pic.twitter.com/Ezf8nL56Lk
— NESN (@NESN) September 19, 2020
Sept. 11
Padres-Giants Postponed Due to Positive Covid Test in SF Organization
Update from Major League Baseball: pic.twitter.com/3J53ZtQBIc
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) September 12, 2020
Aug. 30
A’s-Astros Off Due to Positive Test in Oakland Organization
The Sunday game between the Oakland A’s and Houston Astos has been postponed after a member of the Oakland organization tested positive for COVID-19.
A's statement on positive COVID-19 Test. pic.twitter.com/qvk5B2cusX
— AthleticsPR (@AthleticsPR) August 30, 2020
Aug. 24
MLB Provides COVID-19 Updates, Mets’ Schedule
MLB’s announcement that the #Mets:
Have had no more positive tests.
Will be back tomorrow with a DH vs. Miami
Will play 2 DHs with the #Yankees next Fri/Sun
Will make up a 3rd Yankees game 9/3 at Citi Field pic.twitter.com/tgjSa5Zlaw— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) August 24, 2020
Aug. 21
Yankees-Mets Weekend Series Postponed
Breaking: MLB has postponed Yankees-Mets this weekend, sources said.
No game Saturday and no game Sunday, in addition to no game today.
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) August 21, 2020
Aug. 20
Mets’ COVID Positives Lead to Postponement of Game vs Yankees
The Subway Series opener between the New York Mets and New York Yankees has been postponed after two members of the Mets’ organization tested postive for the coronavirus. The remember of the weekend series is in doubt. Reports indicate a Mets player and staff member each tested positive.
#Yankees–#Mets game tomorrow night has been postponed, according to MLB. #Mets have two positive Covid tests in their organization.
— Bob Klapisch (@BobKlap) August 20, 2020
Aug. 18
OF Nick Markakis has been potentially exposed to COVID-19. He has tested negative for the virus, but out of an abundance of caution, Markakis has been placed on the injured list.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 18, 2020
Aug. 15
Reds-Pirates Games Postponed
Following a positive test for COVID-19 by a Cincinnati Reds player, Saturday’s scheduled game has been postponed. The Sunday contest, between the Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park, has also been postponed to allow for additional testing and to complete the contact tracing process. Major League Baseball will continue to provide updates as they become available.
Aug. 14
Report: Cincinnati Reds’ Player Tests Positive for COVID-19
A Reds player has tested positive for COVID-19, sources tell The Athletic. Team defeated Pirates on Friday night, scheduled to host them again at 6:10 p.m. ET on Saturday. Status of that game not yet known.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 15, 2020
MLB Addresses Cardinals’ Schedule
MLB announces Cardinals scheduling updates. pic.twitter.com/KlDE1A0QOL
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 14, 2020
MLB Updates Aug 13
It Looks Like the Cardinals Will Play Once Again …
The St. Louis Cardinals are on the verge of getting a green light to play after their COVID-19 outbreak. The big question going forward will be how MLB handles the schedule since it will be virtually impossible for St. Louis to play a 60-game season.
Pending COVID-19 test results, #MLB plans to have #STLCards resume play with doubleheader Saturday vs. #WhiteSox. It will be their first games in 17 days. Sox https://t.co/dkpF2KVCab
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 13, 2020
And Then This Happened:
Source: Another staffer on the Cardinals has tested positive, but the team continues to work toward a return to action. The team may bring back Jose Oquendo to coach third base. Players may drive rental cars individual to Chicago to play vs. CWS this weekend.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) August 13, 2020
Talk about Crazy Scheduling
#stlcards will play three doubleheaders in Chicago — Saturday, Monday and Wednesday. The latter two coming in Wrigley vs #Cubs.
— Derrick S. Goold (@dgoold) August 14, 2020
Aug. 10
Another Pair of St. Louis Cardinals Games Are Postponed
A doubleheader between the St. Louis Cardinals and Detroit Tigers Thursday is being postponed to allow more time for additional COVID-19 testing. MLB opted to postpone the twinbill to continue additional testing while players and staff are quarantined before the team returns to play.
Mets’ Stroman Opts-Out of 2020 Season
On Mets Zoom call, team announces Marcus Stroman has opted out for the 2020 season.
— Maggie Gray (@MaggieGray) August 10, 2020
Aug. 9
Indians Send Pitcher Home for Leaving Hotel
Some teams mean serious business when it comes to COVID-19. The Cleveland Indians sent starting pitcher Zach Plesac home from Chicago after he left the hotel Saturday night in violation of team rules regarding the pandemic. Plesac drove back to Cleveland in a rental car, a source told ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Cardinals-Pirates Series Postponed as COVID-19 Ravages St. Louis
The Cardinals have not played since July 29 and they will not play against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a series that was scheduled for Monday-Wednesday. St. Louis has seen 16 members of its organization infected by COVID-19, so this series is postponed, too. Eight of the 16 individuals who tested positive have given their consent to be identified: All-Stars Yadier Molina and Paul DeJong; infielders Rangel Ravelo and Edmundo Sosa; outfielder Austin Dean; and relievers Kodi Whitley, Junior Fernández and Ryan Helsley. The Cardinals now face the possibility of playing 55 games in the 60-game schedule in 46 days, if that happens.
MLB Updates Aug. 8
Report: Cards-Pirates Monday Game Postponed
The St. Louis Cardinals have not played since July 29 and the stretch will continue until at least Tuesday. ESPN’s Jeff Passan is reporting the Monday game with the Pittsburgh Pirates has been postponed. As for the Tuesday-Wednesday part of the series, St. Louis hopes to have more news Sunday.
MLB Updates Aug. 7
Cardinals-Cubs Postponed
The #STLCards–#Cubs game tonight has indeed been postponed with another positive COVID-19 test result
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 7, 2020
The #STLCards, even if they are permitted to resume play Saturday against the #Cubs, must play 55 games in 51 days. If the entire series is postponed, it's 55 games in 49 days. #Brutal.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 7, 2020
The entire weekend series is off between the NL Central rivals.
Aug. 4
Marlins Place 10 Pitchers on Injured List
Today’s Roster Update: pic.twitter.com/reqvTIywnD
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) August 4, 2020
Cardinals’ Yadier Molina Announces He Tested Positive
Cardinals’ veteran catcher Yadier Molina revealed Tuesday he was one of the seven players on the team to test positive for COVID-19.
“Good morning, I am saddened to have tested positive for COVID-19, even after following the prevention recommendations,” Molina, a nine-time All-Star, wrote. “I’ll do everything in my power to get back ASAP for Cardinals fans, St. Louis City and my teammates. As I recover, I request that you respect my family’s privacy and mine during my absence from the team. Blessings!!”
Aug. 3
Cardinals’ Positive Tests Rise, Series with Tigers Postponed
#STLCards president John Mozeliak: "It's hard to think about the future when you're literally just trying to get through the day.'' All of the players/staff members who have tested positive are now back home in St. Louis.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 3, 2020
Also, I can now confirm at least eight positives. Of those, six are players. One source said the number is 13. https://t.co/4x1nDC5Q5s
— Mark Saxon (@markasaxon) August 3, 2020
Cardinals-White Sox game at Field of Dreams next Thursday in Dyersville, Iowa cancelled, sources tell The Athletic. Reasoning not believed to be tied to additional positive tests on Cardinals. More a logistical problem.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 3, 2020
Aug. 2
Mets’ Yoenis Cespedes Opts-Out of 2020 After Failing to Show for Game
The New York Mets had an adventurous early Sunday. First, they posted they had no idea where slugger Yoenis Cespedas was prior to their game with The Atlanta Braves. Then, they said he was safe. And, to complete the circle, he was out … as in opting-out of the 2020 season. And to complete the miserable day, the Mets were blanked by the Braves.
Report: Latest Round of Cardinals’ COVID-19 Tests ‘Not Good’
Jeff Passan of ESPN is plugged in so when he posts a tweet like this MLB should be on the alert:
The latest round of coronavirus tests from the St. Louis Cardinals are, in the words of someone with the team, "not good." There are expected to be multiple new positives, sources tell ESPN. Cardinals took more tests this morning, and results of those should arrive by tonight.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 2, 2020
Aug. 1
Brewers’ Lorenzo Cain Opts-Out
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) August 1, 2020
In related events, the Cardinals and Brewers will not be playing baseball on the weekend. The doubleheader scheduled for Sunday has also been postponed.
July 31
Cardinals Players Test Positive
The St. Louis Cardinals were scheduled for an afternoon game with the Milwaukee Brewers. Not happening. Two players tested positive and the Cardinals instructed all players and staff to self-isolate in their hotel rooms in Milwaukee until further notice.
Marlins Infected Players Taking Long Bus Trip
Those Miami Marlins players who have been stuck in Philadelphia after testing positive are going to feel like they are back in the minor leagues. The 20 will be taking a bus trip from Philadelphia to South Beach.
July 30
Welcome to 7-Inning Games During Doubleheaders
Pretty soon fans won’t recognize baseball with all the alterations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest was an agreement between MLB and the MLBP to reduce games during doubleheaders to seven innings apiece. Oh, and if you were concerned should such game go to extra innings, there would be a runner on second to start the eighth inning.
July 29
Nick Markakis Decides to Return to Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves got a boost Wednesday with the decision by Nick Markakis to return to the team after opting-out of the 2020 MLB season. “Sometimes, we all make rash decisions that are not thought out thoroughly,” Markakis said. “Sitting at home, watching these guys compete … and all the risks they’re going through going out there, in the pit of my stomach I felt I wanted to be out there.” Markakis, the first MLB player to return after opting out, hit .285 with nine homers and 62 RBIs in 2019. He was an All-Star in 2018.
July 28
Marlins Outbreak Creates Major Issues, Chaos in MLB
The COVID-19 outbreak among the Miami Marlins has led to a number of issues. The most pressing — and intriguing, of the MLB Updates, is a report by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal that the Washington Nationals have voted against going to Miami for an upcoming series. And in further Marlins news: Miguel Rojas has tested positive. He is off to a sizzling start, hitting .700, whatever that means after such a minimal number of at-bats.
MLB statement… pic.twitter.com/zJ681SwLsp
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 28, 2020
MLB Updates July 27
Marlins Outbreak Leads to MLB Postponing Games
The Marlins’ have MLB Updates, home opener against the Baltimore Orioles is off, as well as the Philadelphia Phillies‘ home game against the New York Yankees set for Monday have been postponed after a COVID-19 outbreak with Miami. An outbreak has spread throughout their clubhouse and brought the total cases in recent days to at least 13. “The members of the Marlins’ traveling party are self-quarantining in place while awaiting the outcome of those results,” MLB said in a statement. “Major League Baseball has been coordinating with the Major League Baseball Players Association; the Marlins; the Orioles; the Marlins’ weekend opponent, the Phillies; and Club medical staffs, and will continue to provide updates as appropriate.”
The Marlins released a statement on behalf of CEO Derek Jeter.
“The health of our players and staff has been and will continue to be our primary focus as we navigate through these unchartered waters,” he said. “After a successful Spring 2.0, we have now experienced challenges once we went on the road and left Miami. Postponing tonight’s home opener was the correct decision to ensure we take a collective pause and try to properly grasp the totality of this situation.”
MLB Updates July 24
Blue Jays Will Play Home Schedule in Buffalo
Big news out of Toronto as the wandering Blue Jays seem to have finally found a home for the shortened 2020 MLB season. They will be playing in Buffalo’s Shalen Field, which normally plays host to the team’s Triple-A affiliate. The team was frozen out of Canada because of travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are extremely grateful to have a home in Buffalo this season, thanks to the openness, creativity, and partnership of the Buffalo Bisons, Major League Baseball and Blue Jays staff, who have worked tirelessly to prepare us for games at Sahlen Field,” club president and CEO Mark Shapiro said in a statement on the team’s website. “This process has no doubt tested our team’s resilience, but our players and staff refuse to make excuses – we are determined to take the field on Opening Day today, and for the coming months, with the same intensity and competitiveness that our fans expect.”
The Blue Jays’ home opener is July 29 against the Washington Nationals.
MLB Updates July 23
Nationals’ Soto Tests Positive for COVID-19
The Washington Nationals hit a major hiccup as they were about to start their season against the New York Yankees. Outfielder Juan Soto tested positive for the coronavirus and will miss the game. General Manager Mike Rizzo said that Soto was asymptomatic and that no one else on the roster was deemed ineligible following contact tracing. Soto needs to receive two negative tests to allow him to return to the field.
MLB Updates July 16
Major League Pushes Back Opening Day On March 12th
Everything was going swimmingly in the middle of March as many people figured we’d still be playing baseball in the spring. Things turned a bit sour when Major League Baseball pushed back Opening Day on March 12th, which was slated to begin on March 26th. Many people figured it would be temporary but the season won’t actually start until July 23rd, which means the league will have missed four months of action.
Players, Owners Squabble Over Money
COVID-19 pandemic started to recede and major sports around the world started to make their way back, MLB was mired in a labor dispute. In what couldn’t have been worse timing, the players and owners started squabbling over how many games should be played and who was going to earn how much.
Originally, players and owners came to an agreement in March that if the season was to continue – at any point – players’ salaries would be prorated. That meant if they played 81 games, they’d be entitled to half of their salaries. However, owners – at the time – were under the impression that the games would have fans, which would bring in a lot of revenue. Now it’s come to light that fans won’t be included, which is why owners wanted to renegotiate.
At any rate, we settled on a 60-game season with teams playing 10 games apiece against their four divisional foes and then playing the remaining 20 against interleague opponents. Both leagues will feature a designated hitter and the playoff format remains the same.
58 Players Test Positive In Initial Testing
As we’ve moved through the summer, more and more players have found themselves testing positive to COVID-19. A whopping 58 players reported positive for COVID-19 when teams reported for their “summer camps.” There were also eight staffers who tested positive.
Good news is, that was from a sample of 3,748 test, so the positive rate is not high and nobody has reported any bad symptoms. 13 more players and four more staff have tested positive this week. Hopefully, nobody experiences any vicious symptoms and we can move through the season without too many COVID-19 absences.
MLB Updates Umpires Sit Out
Almost a dozen of the 76 full-time MLB umpires have decided to sit this shortened season out. Any umpires deemed to be at-risk will still be paid. This will give Triple-A umpires a chance to gain experience as some of them will get to fill in those spots. MLB and their umpires reached a deal that means all umpires will be paid 37.5% of their salaries if even one regular-season game is played.
2020 Season Starts On July 23
The 2020 baseball season will get underway on July 23rd. While it’s been a long wait, we should be in for a fantastic start to the season. The defending champion Washington Nationals will host the New York Yankees and the pitching matchup will feature Max Scherzer going up against the Yankees new stud Gerrit Cole.
While the Yankees-Nationals games will start at 7:08 PM ET, the late game will feature the San Francisco Giants visiting the Los Angeles Dodgers. The full Opening Day will come on Friday, July 24th when all 30 teams will be in action.
