MLBPA: Rays would need player approval to play in Montreal

The Major League Baseball Players Association has concerns about the Tampa Bay Rays' proposition to split regular-season home games between Florida and Montreal.

Union head Tony Clark said the team would need to get player approval for this change to be implemented, stating it would be a "significant burden" for players to live in both places during the season.

"There is a lot of work that is going to need to be done before that consideration becomes closer to a reality," Clark said, according to Ronald Blum of The Associated Press. "We look forward to being a part of that conversation, as well. A lot of challenges there."

Clark maintains the idea would be a mandatory topic under the National Labor Relations Act and that the union would need to approve it in a bargaining process.

MLB deputy commissioner Dan Halem disputed the need to discuss the subject under the act.

"I believe that under the NLRA there is no obligation to bargain over the decision itself, which is a management prerogative, but an obligation to bargain over the effects of the decision on terms and conditions of employment," Halem said. "It’s akin to plant relocation."

Commissioner Rob Manfred recently said the Rays have been given permission to explore the possibility of splitting time in the two locales. There is no timeline for a decision at this time.