Report: 11 umpires opt out of 2020 MLB season

Eleven major-league umpires have decided to opt out of the upcoming MLB season, sources told Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

Some of the umpires electing not to participate in the season are said to have family members who are ill, Heyman notes.

Identities of the umpires opting out have not been disclosed.

This follows the 13 players who decided not to take part in the 2020 campaign and after St. Louis Cardinals reliever Jordan Hicks opted out on Monday due to pre-existing health concerns.

Last week, the umpires union announced it supported the safety protocols implemented by MLB and MLBPA for the 2020 schedule in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

That followed comments from longtime umpire Joe West who downplayed the effect of COVID-19 and the validity of coronavirus-related death statistics. His comments were roundly criticized. West also noted he doesn't plan on sitting out.