D’backs and Rockies sell out spring tickets in less than 24 hours

Even during a pandemic, the appetite to sit in the sun and watch Major League Baseball spring training appears robust.

The Diamondbacks sold out their spring allotment of tickets in less than 24 hours after they went on sale to the public. Approximately 2,200 tickets were sold for all 14 of the team’s home games, with fans spread throughout the park in pods of two, four or six seats and masks are required except when eating or drinking.

That’s 20% of the stadium’s 11,000person capacity.

“The fact that it sold out as fast as it did — that fires me up,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. “We’ve been looking forward to this day as much as them.”

The Rockies — who share the Salt River Fields facility with the Diamondbacks — also sold out of tickets to their home games. The two teams open their spring training schedule against each other Sunday. Spring training facilities across Arizona and Florida are making their own decisions about how many fans — if any — are allowed to attend games.

All 30 teams played without fans during the pandemic-shortened, 60game schedule in 2020. Limited fans were allowed in the postseason.

New coronavirus cases have gone down in Arizona over the past few weeks, as they have across most of the country. Lovullo said seeing fans is a reminder that baseball might be more “normal” in 2021.

“We missed our fans,” Lovullo said. “Not just Diamondbacks fans but I think baseball fans throughout the entire United States. We’ve lost a little bit of a connection.”

The Giants have approval from MLB to host about 750 to 1,000 fans for their exhibition games at Scottsdale Stadium, with season subscribers having first priority and remaining tickets sold to the general public. Tickets to see the A’s at HoHoKam Stadium in Mesa went on sale last week.

Mets sign Pillar: Former Giants outfielder Kevin Pillar and the Mets finalized a $5 million, oneyear contract. To make room on the Mets’ roster, outfielder Guillermo Heredia was designated for assignment. Pillar, 32, provides a proven center fielder and experienced righthanded hitter to potentially platoon with Brandon Nimmo.

Desmond opts out again: Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond is opting out for a second straight season, saying on his Instagram account that his “desire to be with my family is greater than my desire to go back and play baseball under these circumstances. I’m going to train and watch how things unfold.” He added “for now” in his statement to opt out. Strasburg ready: Washington righthander Stephen Strasburg is ready to return after a nerve issue in his wrist ended his 2020 season after five innings. The Nationals ace said the problem went away immediately after a 15minute carpal tunnel surgery.

“Endurancewise, stamina-wise, I feel like I’m a lot further along than I have (been) in years past,” he said.