The Toronto Blue Jays will have to find another place, another land to play their “home” games in the 2020 MLB season.
Canada’s Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino announced Saturday the Blue Jays will not be able to use Rogers Centre due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
“Unlike preseason training, regular-season games would require repeated cross-border travel of Blue Jays players and staff, as well as opponent teams into and out of Canada,” Mendicino said. “Of particular concern, the Toronto Blue Jays would be required to play in locations where the risk of virus transmission remains high.
“Based on the best-available public health advice, we have concluded the cross-border travel required for MLB regular-season play would not adequately protect Canadians’ health and safety. As a result, Canada will not be issuing a National Interest Exemption for the MLB’s regular season at this time.”
The Jays had previously received clearance from the Ontario provincial government and the City of Toronto but the federal government in Canada has the final say on border issues. The Blue Jays’ home opener was set for July 29 against Washington.
The team released a statement after learning of the government’s decision via a phone call.