SALT LAKE CITY — Minor League Baseball announced on Thursday that it will delay the start of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
A statement issued Thursday afternoon by Minor League Baseball read:
“In light of the current coronavirus outbreak, and after consultation with medical professionals and our partners at Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball will delay the start of the 2020 Championship Season. We will continue to monitor the developments and will announce additional information about the 2020 season at a later date. We will work with Major League Baseball and our community partners to resume play as soon as it is safe to do so. The health and safety of Minor League Baseball fans, players and executives is our top priority, and our thoughts are with those around the world who have been affected by this outbreak.”
The suspension of the season affects the Salt Lake Bees, Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, who would have opened the 2020 season against the El Paso Chihuahuas at Smith’s Ballpark on April 9.
The rookie-league Ogden Raptors and Orem Owlz aren’t scheduled to start their seasons until June 19, and it is unclear if this delay will affect them.
In related news, Major League Baseball announced that it postponed Opening Day by at least two weeks and canceled all forthcoming spring training games.
A statement from Major League Baseball read:
“Following a call with the 30 clubs, and after consultation with the Major League Baseball Players Association, Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. today announced that MLB has decided to suspend Spring Training games and to delay the start of the 2020 regular season by at least two weeks due to the national emergency created by the coronavirus pandemic. This action is being taken in the interests of the safety and well-being of our players, clubs and our millions of loyal fans.
MLB will continue to evaluate ongoing events leading up to the start of the season. Guidance related to daily operations and workouts will be relayed to Clubs in the coming days. As of 4 p.m. ET today, forthcoming Spring Training games have been cancelled, and 2020 World Baseball Classic Qualifier games in Tucson, Ariz., have been postponed indefinitely.
MLB and the clubs have been preparing a variety of contingency plans regarding the 2020 regular season schedule. MLB will announce the effects on the schedule at an appropriate time and will remain flexible as events warrant, with the hope of resuming normal operations as soon as possible.
Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our players, employees and fans. MLB will continue to undertake the precautions and best practices recommended by public health experts. We send our best wishes to all individuals and communities that have been impacted by coronavirus.”
Prior to the delay of the 2020 baseball season, MLB Opening Day had been scheduled for March 26.