Rockies baseball is returning. The MLB Players Association agreed that players will report to spring training camps on July 1. As Jeff Passan reports, while the deal is not yet finalized, the two sides are close to a formal agreement to play 60 games.
The Major League Baseball Players Association has agreed to report to training camps by July 1 and play a 60-game season, sources tell ESPN, but deal is not finalized yet.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 23, 2020
One last health-and-safety hurdle to get over and Major League Baseball will be back a week from tomorrow.
Chris Cotillo has detailed some of the health and safety protocols, which include regular testing as well as personal safety measures.
Some health and safety proposals from MLB's latest plan (6/20):
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) June 23, 2020
* Temperature/symptom checks twice per day
* COVID tests every other day during spring, regular season and postseason
* Antibody testing about once per month
* High-risk players can opt out
He continues:
* No pregame exchange of lineup cards
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) June 23, 2020
* Social distancing encouraged on field
* Pitchers bring own rosin bag to mound
* Non-playing personnel wear masks in dugout/bullpen at all times
* Spitting prohibited, but chewing gum is allowed
* Fights are strictly prohibited
Clearly, these protocols will evolve as conditions change.
Cotillo has also reported that the transaction freeze will probably end five days before spring training begins and that the trade deadline will be August 31.
MLB trade deadline is expected to be Aug. 31, not July 31.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) June 23, 2020
The agreement brings with it a number of rule changes (e.g., use of the DH, different rules for extra innings) and other questions that we’ll be discussing in the coming days.
Keep an eye on Purple Row as we follow the details of this development.