In an unfortunately predictable turn of events, MLB’s quest to begin the 2020 season has already hit a major snag.
Just a few days into the 60-game slate, the Miami Marlins are now having their season suspended, at least temporarily, while they monitor the health and safety of their players.
The Miami Marlins 2020 season at least temporarily, has been paused. This will allow the team to continue to monitor health and safety of players.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) July 28, 2020
As of this writing, 19 people affiliated with the Marlins have tested positive for COVID-19, causing the team to delay their planned travel day to Baltimore. Then, after the Washington Nationals voted not to head to Miami to play the Marlins, the team finally opted to suspend their season.
MLB’s inability to come up with a concrete way to handle team-by-team outbreaks is indefensible, and leaving the decision to play games up to the players – instead of having a concrete ruling in writing – will almost certainly cause more issues to crop up as the season plugs along, at this time without the Marlins in tow.
Former USC Trojans right-handed pitcher Brad Boxberger is a member of the Marlins roster, although it is not clear if he is among the many players who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Boxberger, who was an All-Star in 2015 with the Rays, has made two appearances out of Miami’s bullpen in 2020, allowing zero runs with two walks and one strikeout.
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