MLB suspends spring training and delays Opening Day

There was no compelling reason to wait any longer. Major League Baseball suspended all spring training in Arizona and Florida and delayed the start of the regular season by at least two weeks Thursday in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision was all but inevitable, and it capped a turbulent 24-hour period for the four major North American sports currently in season. The NBA suspended its season Wednesday night, and Major League Soccer, the NHL and MLB followed in order Thursday.

MLB had hoped to buy time. The regular season in the other three sports was well underway, but MLB Opening Day was scheduled for March 26. The league considered relocating some games as an alternative to postponing them all, but the prospect of widespread government intervention made that approach untenable.

“This action is being taken in the interests of the safety and well-being of our players, Clubs and our millions of loyal fans,” MLB said in a statement. “As of 1 p.m. PDT today, forthcoming Spring Training games have been canceled, and 2020 World Baseball Classic Qualifier games in Tucson, Ariz. have been postponed indefinitely.

“MLB and the Clubs have been preparing a variety of contingency plans regarding the 2020 regular season schedule. MLB will announce the effects on the schedule at an appropriate time and will remain flexible as events warrant, with the hope of resuming normal operations as soon as possible.”

On Wednesday, authorities in California and Washington either recommended against large gath