Trout uncertain, All-Star Game off for MLB return
His N-95 mask squarely in place, Mike Trout stroked line drives, streaked around the bases and caught fly balls at Angel Stadium. The sport’s biggest star then let something drop — he’s not “comfortable” in this COVID-19 environment and isn’t sure he’ll play this season.
At Nationals Park, Max Scherzer limbered up with 65 pitches as the World Series champion Washington Nationals got back to work at 7:45 a.m. High in the press box, it was possible to hear players talking on the field about the virus.
No doubt, those sentiments echoed all around the majors. Baseball tried to take another step forward Friday in a most uncertain setting, with players at their empty home parks for the first team workouts since exhibition games ended March 12.
Major League Baseball announced that 31 players and seven staff members tested positive for COVID-19 during intake for the resumption of training, a rate of 1.2%. The positive tests occurred among 19 of the 30 teams.
Opening day for the delayed, shortened 60-game season is July 23. Major
League Baseball said the All-Star Game, scheduled for July 14 at Dodger Stadium, has been canceled.
Trout, the three-time AL MVP, wants to wait a bit. The Los Angeles Angels outfielder and his wife, Jessica, are expecting the couple’s first child in August.
“Honestly, I still don’t feel that comfortable,” the 28year-old star said. “If I test positive, I talked to doctors and they said I couldn’t see the baby for 14 days or Jess can’t see the baby for 14 days if she’s positive, we’re going to be upset,” he said.
Indians consider name change
The Cleveland Indians released a statement Friday night saying they will considering changing their nickname. The statement began, "We are committed to making a positive impact in our community and embrace our responsibility to advance social justice and equality."