Report: MLB prefers flipping host team if coronavirus forces park closures
If Major League Baseball stadiums close due to the coronavirus, the league would likely prefer games to be played at the visitor's park, a source told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
While no decision has been made regarding stadium closures, MLB wants games to be played as scheduled in front of fans. In the event that a stadium is in an outbreak zone, the viability of switching the host team will be explored, the AP reports.
The league reportedly also anticipates government rulings on whether each city is safe to host games at their respective ballparks.
All 30 clubs begin their 2020 season on March 26. The Seattle Mariners are set to host the Texas Rangers in a four-game series. However, with Washington state being one of the most problematic areas for the coronavirus in the U.S. - 267 confirmed cases and 23 deaths, according to USA TODAY - MLB could look at flipping the games to the brand new Globe Life Field in Arlington.
The two teams are scheduled to meet in Texas for a three-game series at the end of April, a four-game set in early September, and another three in late September. The league reportedly could look at moving one of those to T-Mobile Park in Seattle if the risk has diminished.
"I know the season starts in Seattle, and we know how Seattle is right now," Rangers catcher Robinson Chirinos told the AP. "That's two-and-a-half weeks from now, so I think we're going to hear some news when we're getting close to Opening Day."
The Mariners have internally discussed playing regular-season home games at their spring facility in Peoria, Arizona, according to Evan Drellich of The Athletic. Additionally, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is expected Wednesday to restrict gatherings of more than 250 people, including sporting events, the Seattle Times reports.
It's unclear whether Dodger Stadium may also be at risk of closing, as the ATP's Indian Wells tournament was recently canceled due to confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the Coachella Valley. The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to host the San Francisco Giants on Opening Day, though moving games elsewhere in California may not be as feasible as shifting from Washington to Texas.