When Could We Get MLB Back?
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With the outbreak of the coronavirus last week and every sports league shutting down for the time being, the first thing we heard about Major League Baseball was that Spring Training was cancelled and the start of the regular season would be pushed back at least two weeks. The key words there were at least. Because even the most optimistic of people knew that the season would not just be cut two weeks short. They knew it would be longer. But how much longer?
Of course, the simple answer is nobody knows. Nobody knows a lot of things surrounding this virus and the circumstances its created. But every day we learn of updates that may help us get a clearer image of things for the future. Just a few minutes ago, just after 2 p.m. on Monday, the MLB released a statement in regard to yesterday’s CDC recommendation of restricting the gathering of more than 50 people in all events for the next eight weeks. The MLB’s statement simply stated the league will abide by that recommendation and continue to monitor the ever-changing circumstances.
So there’s one answer that helps us get at least a little clearer picture of when we will get baseball back. Eight weeks from today puts us at mid-May. But with players not having Spring Training to prepare for the season, they will need 2-3 weeks to prepare and play exhibition games to help get them ready for game shape once they are again allowed to do so. So, those 2-3 weeks pushes things into June. And as of right now, that’s the BEST CASE scenario.
There are many around the league that have a strong feeling that it will be later that that. And they are probably right. MLB writer Jeff Passan says that baseball beginning by the All-Star Break (which is mid-July) feels optimistic right now with everything he knows. And he says there’s some around the league that feel the entire 2020 season will not happen.
So, while the easiest answer is nobody knows when the season will start, the most accurate window we have right now is from sometime in June to the season being cancelled. Let’s all cross our fingers that the entire season isn’t cancelled, but at this point I wouldn’t be surprised. Most people seem to think this virus will get a lot worse around the country before it gets better. We will just have to sit back and see.
Garett