Reports: MLB, union reach stoppage deal
Multiple outlets reported Major League Baseball and the players’ union agreed to a deal Thursday that would preserve service time in the event this season is canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Other elements of the agreement reportedly include 2020 salaries being prorated, depending on how much of the season is played; the sides agreeing to consider playing past the usual end of the postseason in late October and early November, even if it involves using neutral sites and domes; the sides agreeing to play without fans, if necessary; and management being given the right to cut the amateur draft to five rounds this year and to 20 rounds in 2021.
Teams are set to approve the agreement Friday, the reports said.
Opening Day originally was scheduled for Thursday, but MLB has pushed it back to midMay at the earliest because of the virus outbreak.
♦Rangers outfielder Willie Calhoun said he has been cleared to resume baseball workouts in his recovery from a broken jaw. He had surgery March 9, a day after he was hit in the face by a fastball during a spring game.
♦ Jimmy ‘‘The Toy Cannon’’ Wynn, who hit 291 career home runs in 15 seasons during the 1960s and 1970s despite his 5-9 frame, died in Houston. He was 78.
CORONAVIRUS WNBA Draft on but altered
The WNBA said its draft still will be held April 17, as scheduled, but without players, fans or media because of the coronavirus.
Logistics still are being worked out with ESPN, but commissioner Cathy Engelbert confirmed she would announce the picks that night on the network. She just isn’t sure whether she’ll do it from her house, the league offices or another location.
The Sky have the eighth overall pick in the first round and the 30th and 32nd overall picks in the third.
♦ The NCAA said it will distribute a combined $225 million to its more than 300 Division I members in June, a whopping $375 million less than had been budgeted after the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of the men’s basketball tournament.
♦ The Avalanche said one of their players has recovered after testing positive for the coronavirus. The player had been in isolation at home since his symptoms appeared, the team said.
♦The Packers extended the closure of Lambeau Field through at least April 24 because of the coronavirus. The closure also applies to the Packers’ pro shop and the Packers Hall of Fame.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL Yaklich officially UIC’s coach
UIC officially hired former Illinois State, Michigan and Texas assistant Luke Yaklich as its coach. He replaces Steve McClain, who was fired two weeks ago after leading the Flames to a 76-93 record in five seasons.