Spring training could be delayed for Double-A, Class A

NEW YORK — Spring training could be delayed for Double-A and Class A players if major leaguers are not vaccinated for the novel coronavirus by the time big league practice is scheduled to start in mid-February.

Major League Baseball, which has taken over operation of the minors, gave notice to minor league teams and big league clubs on Monday.

“We are still evaluating many issues that affect both the major league and minor league schedules, including, most importantly, when it is likely that players and staff will be vaccinated,” Peter Woodfork, MLB’s senior vice president of minor league operations and development, wrote in a letter to big league clubs that was obtained by The Associated Press.

The letter was first reported by Baseball America.

He said under that scenario, those minor leaguers would report to spring training after big leaguers and Triple-A players leave for opening day “unless it is necessary to utilize the alternate site arrangement at the beginning of the season” as MLB did for health reasons last year.

This plan would impact the start of the Double-A Eastern League season which includes the Hartford Yard Goats.

Woodfork wrote that MLB “will let minor league clubs know as soon as possible of any modifications to their facilities that are required in 2021 in the event we need to play prior to the vaccination of players. They in turn will let us know whether they desire to operate in the event that government restrictions prevent them from having fans, or significantly restrict the number of fans allowed in their ballparks.”

Woodfork said MLB will attempt to schedule as many minor league games as possible subject to health conditions.