Major League Baseball team owners and the Players Association remain at odds over an economic plan for the 2020 regular season, but that isn’t the only issue they must work out in the coming days.
The two sides also need to reach an agreement on health and safety protocols relating to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. MLB outlined a detailed plan, touching base on testing frequency and changes that would require players to break from longstanding routines.
The MLBPA responded to the guidelines, taking exception to certain sanitation restrictions, such as the notion players’ won’t be permitted to shower at the stadium. MLB responded to the feedback, and are generally believed to have signed off on most suggestions and requests.
Even if a compromise is met, some players may still feel skeptical about the possibility of a 2020 season. AJ Pollock is excited to take the field for a second season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but will do so carefully to ensure he doesn’t put his family at risk, via SportsNet LA:
“It’s a difficult decision for everyone. For me, I definitely have a little wrinkle in it, because you just don’t know what you’re bringing [home]. It’s a really tough decision. I think everyone is getting ready to get back to the way things were. I think we’re going to do our best to be very diligent; I’m going to be extra diligent when we do start up anyway. I’m excited. It’s obviously a sacrifice players are going to have to make.
“For me, I’m going to be making a pretty big sacrifice. I don’t want to have any potential problems and bring anything into that NICU (newborn intensive care unit). There’s dads in there who have other jobs and they have to go work and they come back and see their baby. I’m just going to do the best I can.
“I’m taking to my doctor about this a ton and making sure I don’t put her at risk. If there’s any chance of putting her at risk, it’s going to be a really difficult decision. He’s been pretty reassuring. I don’t anticipate there being an issue. That’s a little bit down the road so hopefully things get better and better and we can all feel a little bit more comfortable as time goes on.”
As Pollock alluded to, his wife recently gave birth to their daughter four months early. She is fortunately doing well, but the 32-year-old wants to make sure he doesn’t potentially infect someone he comes in contact with.
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That will be a top priority for every player during a potential 2020 season, and especially those with families like Pollock.
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