Players seek clarity regarding MLB's safety plan

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Major League Baseball released its initial plan for player safety for when play begins in a 67-page document over the weekend.

Players are now seeking to clarify certain parameters and to possibly loosen some restrictions outlined in the document, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN.

"The daily testing, I'm a fan of, to quickly determine our status every day," St. Louis Cardinals infielder Paul DeJong said. "But given that, I'd like to see the freedom operating in the clubhouse and on the field."

Daily COVID-19 testing was not on the table in the league's outline, but regular testing multiple times per week was included.

Several guidelines were presented to help prevent further spread of the virus, such as a ban of spitting and a rigorous replacement of baseballs. This raised a hypothetical from an anonymous player.

"If we all test negative, why do we have to use separate baseballs?" the player said.

Infectious disease expert Jessica Metcalf said negative tests don't offer a 100% guarantee.

"Somebody could still be infected, even if everyone has tested negative," Metcalf told Rogers. "One infected person could result in many new cases. There have been many 'super-spreading events' associated with this infection to date."

Discussions remain ongoing between the league and the MLBPA about how to pursue a new Opening Day. Some officials already expressed skepticism about the MLB's ability to enforce the proposed guidelines, and the league will likely need to address players' concerns before an agreement is reached.