Notes: Fans expected for NLCS, World Series.
Fans will be able to attend the National League Championship Series and the World Series in Arlington, Texas, according to Commissioner Rob Manfred.
Manfred told USA Today’s Bob Nightengale that pending approval from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, fans will be in attendance. How many fans and ticket information have yet to be announced but details are expected soon. The Texas Rangers opened 40,300seat, retractableroof Globe Life Field this season but have been unable to welcome fans because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are pressing ahead to have fans in Texas,” Manfred said. “One of the most important things to our game is the presence of fans. Starting down the path of having fans in stadiums, and in a safe and riskfree environment, is very, very important to our game.”
Globe Life Field and Minute Maid Park in Houston will host the two National League Division Series, with the ALDS to be played at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles and Petco Park in San Diego.
The NLCS begins Oct. 12 at Globe Life Field. The ALCS will be at Petco Park beginning Oct. 11. California’s coronavirus restrictions are likely to preclude fans from attending the ALCS.
MLB expanded its playoffs to a 16team format in 2020 for the pandemicshortened 60game regular season. Fans have not been able to attend any regularseason games and, as of now, will not be able to attend Division Series games, either.
“The inability of our fans to enjoy the inballpark experience is probably my biggest disappointment,” Manfred said. “The players have been poignantly honest about the significance of having fans in our ballpark and their importance. It emphasizes the bond between our fans and our players.”
Manfred told USA Today that he expects to be on hand for the World Series where the commissioner typically presents the championship trophy to the winner.
“Honestly, I think this World Series championship is going to be special,” Manfred said. “I think the team that comes through proves they not only prevailed over all clubs, but prevailed over a much bigger challenge in terms of this pandemic.”
Briefly: Angels Gold Glovewinning shortstop Andrelton Simmons opted out of the remainder of the regular season. The Angels were still technically in the playoff race with five games left. Simmons, 31, who can be a free agent this winter, is batting .297 with 10 RBIs. missing 22 games with an ankle injury . ... St. Louis shut down righthander Dakota Hudson (elbow) for the season and activated reliever Kodi Whitley.