The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
OPENER DELAYED UNTIL AT LEAST APRIL 9
No decision on how or if teams make up their missed games.
NORTH PORT, FLA. — Major League Baseball announced it has suspended operations because of the coronavirus outbreak that has rocked the sports world.
MLB held a conference call Thursday and afterward declared it is canceling all remaining spring training games and delaying the start of the regular season by at least two weeks. MLB will reevaluate the situation as it unfolds.
Baseball was in the midst of its exhibition season, with teams gearing up for opening day March 26. The Braves were scheduled to begin the season at Arizona. Their ensuing series was scheduled at San Diego, with their home opener set for April 3 against the Marlins.
After MLB’s decision, the Braves won’t play at least the first 13 games on their schedule: Four at Arizona, three at San Diego, three vs. Miami and three vs. San Diego.
The Braves are scheduled for a two-city trip to Miami and New York on April 9, which would be the earliest possible start date, according to MLB’s statement. It’s unclear how baseball will handle its schedule — and the missed games — if/when it resumes. The Braves would return home from that trip for a possible home opener April 17 against the Giants.
From a statement issued by MLB: “MLB will announce the effects on the schedule at an appropriate time and will remain flexible as events warrant, with the hope of resuming normal operations as soon as possible.
“Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our players, employees and fans. MLB will continue to undertake the precautions and best practices recommended by public health experts. We send our best wishes to all individuals and communities that have been impacted by coronavirus.”
MLB hasn’t played a shortened season since 1995, when most teams played 144 games after the end of the infamous strike that began the previous August and cost MLB its postseason.
MLB’s full statement: “Following a call with the 30 clubs, and after consultation with the Major League Baseball Players Association,
Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. today announced that MLB has decided to suspend Spring Training games and to delay the start of the 2020 regular season by at least two weeks due to the national emergency created by the coronavirus pandemic. This action is being taken in the interests of the safety and well-being of our players, clubs and our millions of loyal fans.
“MLB will continue to evaluate ongoing events leading up to the start of the season. Guidance related to daily operations and workouts will be relayed to Clubs in the coming days. As of 4 p.m. ET today, forthcoming Spring Training games have been cancelled, and 2020 World Baseball Classic Qualifier games in Tucson, Ariz., have been postponed indefinitely.
MLB and the clubs have been preparing a variety of contingency plans regarding the 2020 regular season schedule. MLB will announce the effects on the schedule at an appropriate time and will remain flexible as events warrant, with the hope of resuming normal operations as soon as possible.
“Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our players, employees and fans. MLB will continue to undertake the precautions and best practices recommended by public health experts. We send our best wishes to all individuals and communities that have been impacted by coronavirus.”
Spring finale: The Braves defeated the Tigers 5-3 on Thursday in Lakeland. It concluded their Grapefruit League schedule and will be the last baseball game the team plays for the foreseeable future, after MLB suspended play Thursday because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Kyle Wright completed his strong spring, allowing one run over five innings. He held the Tigers to two hits, striking out three and walking one. The right-hander finished with a 2.03 ERA this spring.
With MLB delaying the start of the regular season, the Braves’ decision on who’ll comprise their rotation has been kicked down the road as well.