While owners and players are heading toward a battle over money before the 2020 regular season can begin and Bryce Harper is dreaming up alternative playoff structures, the league is formulating its plan to keep players safe and curb the spread of COVID-19 once baseball activities eventually resume. On Saturday, ESPN reported the details of an unfinished health-and-safety manual that includes game-day and travel procedures.
The plan calls for more than 10,000 coronavirus tests to be performed weekly on players, essential personnel and their families. In the event of a positive test, the affected individual would go into quarantine, but games would continue.
MLB would also institute new rules for on-field and in-dugout activities. Players not in the game would be socially distanced from one another, high fives would not be permitted, nor would the chewing of tobacco or sunflower seeds, or spitting at all.
Via ESPN:
“Players and other team personnel not participating in the game would sit in the stands, separated by at least 6 feet. They would apply the same distancing standards to the national anthem. High-fives, fist bumps and hugs would be prohibited under the plan, as would spitting, tobacco use and chewing sunflower seeds. Pitchers would have their own set of balls to throw during bullpen sessions. Players would be discouraged from showering at stadiums after games and would not be allowed to take taxis or use ride-sharing apps on the road.”
You can see all of the details here.
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