MLB advising teams to cease group workouts
Major League Baseball is advising teams to cease group workouts at spring and home facilities amid coronavirus concerns, according to a memo obtained by Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
"The strong recommendation from our infectious disease and public health experts is that clubs should avoid all activities in which players congregate in significant numbers or are otherwise unable to practice the 'social distancing' protocols recommended by the CDC," the memo reads.
Non-roster players have been advised to return home, while those on 40-man rosters are permitted to remain at spring training headquarters.
Team facilities are remaining open for now, though access is limited.
A player told me they’ve been informed that teams will be ending organized workouts, but they can still work out individually.
— Marly Rivera (@MarlyRiveraESPN) March 15, 2020
The remainder of spring training was canceled Thursday and the start of baseball's regular season was postponed. Some teams have stayed at their spring facilities to continue preparation for an eventual Opening Day. Players have been given the option to return home.
The league and MLBPA have been in talks to reach a consensus on how to approach issues stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. A conference call between the commissioner's office and all clubs is scheduled for Monday at noon ET to provide an update.