Mariners looking to move games
The Mariners are seeking alternative options for their season-opening series after Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced Wednesday a ban on all large gatherings in the three counties of the Seattle metro area because of the virus outbreak.
Inslee said social gatherings of 250 or more people, including sporting events, are banned through at least the end of March because of the COVID-19 outbreak in the Seattle area. Officials said gatherings of under 250 could also be barred unless specific measures are followed.
The decision impacts the Mariners’ first seven games of the Major League Baseball season against the Rangers (March 26-29) and Twins (March 30April 1), plus home games for the MLS Seattle Sounders, XFL Seattle Dragons and a pair of junior hockey teams in the area.
In a statement, the Mariners said they are working with MLB to find alternatives for the games scheduled during their opening homestand.
“While we hope to be back to playing baseball in Seattle as soon as possible, the health and safety of our community is the most important consideration. We will provide more information about our plans for the games as it becomes available,” the Mariners said in their statement.
MLB could shift the Rangers-Mariners four-game series to Texas.
The Rangers are set to open a retractable-roof stadium this year, and Texas general manager Jon Daniels said this week the park would be ready if need be.
“Everything’s being discussed, all potential contingency plans,” Daniels said at the Rangers’ camp in Surprise, Ariz.
Indians suspend talks with star: Indians executive Chris Antonetti says the franchise and representatives for star shortstop Francisco Lindor made a “sincere and earnest effort” to agree on a long-term contract before deciding this week to suspend talks.
Antonetti, the president of baseball operations, said Wednesday the sides worked for months and tried “different and creative concepts” to strike a deal, but ultimately decided not to continue negotiations with opening day two weeks away. Lindor characterized the discussions in a similar manner to The Athletic on Monday.
Lindor will make $17.5 million this year and can become a free agent after the 2021 season.
“I’m really appreciative of the effort Francisco and his representatives and our ownership put into the process of trying to find alignment,” Antonetti said.
Lindor, a four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, hit .284 with 32 home runs, 22 stolen bases and an .854 OPS last season.
Yankees take another hit: Yankees reliever Zack Britton has a bruised right wrist after getting hit by a line drive during a simulated game.
The Yankees said X-rays and a CT scan were both negative.
Britton was pitching in his second inning when he got hurt on the drive off the bat of Erik Kratz.
The 32-year-old left-hander walked to shallow left field while holding his wrist. He kept his right arm still and appeared to be in pain while walking off the field with athletic trainer Gene Monahan.
Extra innings: Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt will be out for several more games because of a sore right elbow. Goldschmidt’s throwing was limited by the Cardinals during the start of spring training, and he made his first two exhibition starts as a designated hitter. He has not played since Sunday. ... Two-time NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom made his second start of the spring, allowing only Matt Carpenter’s solo home run in four innings in the Mets’ 7-3 victory over the Cardinals . ... World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg made his second start of the spring, allowing a run — on a double-play grounder — in five innings in the Nationals’ 6-2 win over the Astros . ... Randal Grichuk homered twice and drove in five runs and Bo Bichette and Danny Jansen also homered as the Blue Jays blasted the Orioles 14-2.