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UPDATE 3:25 PM: Spring Training games are indefinitely suspended, and start of the season will be delayed at least two weeks.
Statement from Major League Baseball: pic.twitter.com/0bWS5VTRPu
— MLB (@MLB) March 12, 2020
Following in the footsteps of several other leagues and tours, Major League Baseball has suspended the remainder of spring training and has also postponed the start of the 2020 season. All of this was done as a preventative measure to address the public health issue that has spread thanks to the coronavirus outbreak.
After a conference call among owners this afternoon, Major League Baseball is expected to suspend spring training. The league likely will delay the beginning of the regular season as well. At this point, it's a formality that ownership-level sources expect to happen.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 12, 2020
Many will probably grumble about this, thinking it’s a panic-induced decision. That is not something we are here to discuss. Hopefully, this is a temporary thing. Obviously, the most important issue is health and safety of the players, stadium workers and any fans that have been temporarily kept away from their work and their favorite pastime. But there are at time more important matters than whether or not a ball goes over a fence and this one of those times.
Baseball will return at some point and we’ll be ready. For now, stay safe, stay clean and stay healthy!