Return-to-play plans include Coronavirus testing, stadium/rule changes, and more
Major League Baseball is taking whatever steps are necessary to resume play this season. ESPN is reporting that there could be some big changes coming to the league according to the new health-and-safety manual obtained by the network.
According to ESPN, lots of new rules and protocols were laid out in the document they found. The MLB hopes to process over 10000 Coronavirus tests per week. Furthermore, the league is working on making radical changes to stadium settings and in-game settings to encourage social distancing. Also, the league is developing rules to prevent the further spread of the disease.
The document also outlines several ways that players are and are not allowed to interact with each other both on and off the field. High-fives, fist bumps, hugs, spitting, tobacco use, and chewing sunflower seeds would all be prohibited under the new proposal. Also, players would not be able to share Uber rides outside of stadiums or stand shoulder-to-shoulder during the National Anthem.
The proposal also calls for the return of Spring Training in a three-phase process. First, pitchers and catchers will arrive followed by position players. The last phase of the proposal would feature a limited number of preseason exhibition games.
