Trying to get in 60 games in just over two months of time is a very challenging thing at any time, but it’s especially so when there’s a pandemic raging that can shut down entire teams for a week at a time. So I certainly understand that MLB is going to want to wait out rain delays much more than usual this year. Postponing and rescheduling games is going to be a real challenge.
But you also have to keep in mind that keeping players together at a ballpark longer than absolutely necessary creates additional virus transmission risk. So there’s a balance MLB needs to strike, and when it comes to games like today’s – rain all day, rain expected all night – I really don’t see keeping guys around for 8+ hours being the right approach.
Anthony Rizzo clearly agrees:
Hey @Reds when do you think the window is? Asking for some friends… maybe check at @HomeDepot for one? pic.twitter.com/302NfTuKvw
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) July 30, 2020
Player safety? @mlb let’s sit around for 8 plus hours inside the clubhouse.. I’m sure I can find that somewhere in the 113 page player safety protocol.
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) July 30, 2020
At last check, the league was still having the Cubs and Reds wait this one out. We’ll keep you posted, but if it’s going to get banged, they should do it soon. Let the players go.
UPDATE: Shortly after Rizzo’s tweets, and just a few minutes after I finished the post, the game got postponed. Clearly, Rizzo is the new Commissioner.
No makeup date has yet been scheduled for tonight’s game.