Mets’ Matz, Phillies’ Harper pitch in for relief

Mets pitcher Steven Matz and Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper and are the latest baseball players to make donations to coronavirus relief efforts.

Harper and his wife, Kayla, are giving $500,000 to Direct Relief and Three Square in his hometown of Las Vegas and Philabundance in Philadelphia.

“Now is the time to come together and adhere to the guidelines of medical professionals! We are wishing the best to all with our prayers during this time,” the couple said in a statement.

Matz is having his foundation donate $32,000 to New York City first responders and hospitals — the first two numbers matching his uniform number. Matz tweeted Friday the money will be given by TRU32.

“Thanks to those who support & contribute to the program all year. Partially because of your generosity, we're able to pitch in now,” he said. “The first of three donations just went out to one of the hardest hit hospitals in NYC, Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, so close to our Mets Citi Field.”

MLBPA PAYMENT PLAN

About 370 players who were at big league spring training with minor league contracts will get advance payments of up to $50,000 each from the Major League Baseball Players Association.

The money approved Friday by the union's executive board will be in addition to $400 weekly allowances being paid to all minor leaguers through May 31 by the Major League Baseball.

Among the players eligible for payments from Friday's allocation are Félix Hernández, Matt Kemp, Pablo Sandoval , Neil Walker, Derek Holland, Jerry Blevins, Edwin Jackson,

Chris Iannetta, Brandon Morrow, Jonathan Lucroy and Trevor Cahill.

Players can receive $5,000 if they have at least one day or major league service. The amount increases to $7,500 for one year of service, $15,000 for two, $25,000 for three and $50,000 for six.

Any player may opt out of the money, which is being advanced against salaries. Players are eligible if they were at spring training on March 13, the day after play stopped.