Virtual fans at Giants game

There will be fans in the stands — a full house, in fact — during Saturday’s GiantsDodgers game.

At least, that’s how it will appear to television viewers. Fox will be adding a virtual crowd in parks during its baseball broadcasts this season, starting with a tripleheader Saturday that includes the game at Dodger Stadium.

Fox begins its coverage with the Brewers at the Cubs, followed by Giants-Dodgers and then the Yankees at Nationals.

“We believe that what we’re doing is creating a natural viewing experience,” Fox Sports Vice President Brad Zager said. “Sports is supposed to be an escape and when people have that escape we want it to feel as normal as possible when there’s very little normalcy, like a crowd at a baseball game on a Saturday.”

Indians listening: Cleveland Indians owner Paul Dolan said the team will speak to Native American groups as one of the preliminary steps in a potential name change, which Dolan, whose family took ownership of the franchise in 2000, said was a possibility earlier this week.

Dolan’s plans are viewed as “a big step forward” by Philip Yenyo, executive director of the American Indian Movement of Ohio.

Blue Jays update: Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan confirmed reports there have been talks about the state hosting the Toronto Blue Jays. The Baltimore Orioles and Maryland have had talks about the team sharing Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

The Blue Jays are looking for a Major League park after the Canadian government declined to allow them to play in Toronto, and the state of Pennsylvania nixed a deal to play in Pittsburgh.

Betts’ contract: Mookie Betts will not receive all of his money from his $365 million, 12year contract with the Dodgers announced Wednesday until he is approaching his 52nd birthday in 2044, according to contract details obtained by the Associated Press.

His deal includes a $65 million signing bonus and $115 million in deferred payments.