Baseball’s almost back.  MLB has released the reduced schedule for the coming 2020 season, as well as issues regarding how it will handle coronavirus tests.  Unfortunately, the league and union are concerned because they are not sure if the season is ready to resume, and doubts and complaints still exist about COVID-19 threats.

Some teams feel disappointed because they have not received the best help on how to deal with this matter, and there are still a lot of questions that have to be answered before the season can really get going.

The New And Improved MLB Schedule For 2020

MLB issued on Monday its schedule for 2020 with the starting game between the New York Yankees and the Washington Nationals, but coronavirus concerns make players and teams feel bogged down and discouraged due to the terrible and devastating impact the virus has had on everything, including businesses and the gaming and gambling industries, as well all the casualties caused so far in the US.

However, most players want to get things going after a hiatus that lasted longer than many had hoped.

On the other hand, by the time MLB had presented the 60-game 2020 schedule for all the teams, the Nationals and the Houston Astros decided to cancel their workouts due to delays and fear of COVID-19 results.  They want to avoid that a positive case of the virus forces them to cancel their training sessions and threatens them or one of their family members.

COVID-19 Concerns Remain High

The concerns that affect the MLB are not unfounded – COVID-19 has killed thousands of people across the US.  Two more baseball players – there are now at least 31 – have been confirmed with the virus, which is directly and indirectly leading to players deciding to step away from baseball for a little while.

Nick Markakis of the Atlanta Braves announced that he will opt out of the tournament because one of his teammates, Freddie Freeman, was confirmed positive.  Another case was reported by the Texas Rangers team, which stated that slugger Joey Gallo tested positive, as well, and is asymptomatic.

On July 13, two games are expected to take place.  The Yankees will compete against the Nationals and, on the West Coast, the LA Dodgers will host rivals San Francisco Giants, but these games will be carried out only if the start of the season is approved.

New World For MLB With 2020 Schedule

One rarity of the 60-match 2020 schedule in the MLB is that division rivals will play ten times each, but no five times in each city.  This will be a bizarre season because some important changes are to be established, as well some new rules.  However, the entire situation around the world can only be described as bizarre.

The baseball season has followed a shutdown of more than three months and the constant amount of baseball players testing positive with COVID-19 might lead to an uncertain position whether the full season might be played or not.  To support this statement, Minnesota Twins catcher Mitch Garver said, “There’s a ton of players out there quoted saying this, but it almost feels like you’re waiting on bad news, right?  You’re just waiting on somebody’s camp to break out.  You’re waiting for travel restrictions to be shut down across the nation.  You’re waiting for a second wave, where things become unplayable and sports take a backseat.”

Health Officials Are Dropping The Ball On Tests

Unfortunately, some teams have experienced important delays on their test results.  Nationals pitcher Sean Doolittle complained about slow results and lack of personal protective equipment, which affects the safety and integrity of the players in the league.

It’s a growing concern among some of the managers of the team, like Mike Rizzo who said, “Without accurate and timely testing, it is simply not safe for us to continue with summer camp.”  He added, “MLB needs to work quickly to resolve issues with their process and their lab.  Otherwise, summer camp and the 2020 season are at risk.”

MLB mentioned that the delays are due to the previous holiday, July 4; however, players’ health is a priority.  The start of the season does not depend only on the players getting in shape but also on their safety and medical welfare.  Unfortunately, COVID-19 doesn’t recognize national holidays.