Major League Baseball submitted to the MLBPA on Saturday its 67-page document outlining player-safety protocols.
The proposal focused entirely on health and safety and didn't mention financial compensation for players.
Here is a breakdown of some of the proposed guidelines, according to Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich of The Athletic.
On-field
- Teams will not physically exchange lineup cards; they will be submitted using an app
- Players must wear masks unless on the field of play, while non-playing personnel must wear masks at all times
- A new baseball is used after a ball is in play and touched by multiple players
- Players to stand 6-feet apart during the national anthem and God Bless America
- Spring training rosters limited to 50 players
- Spring games will start between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. local time to limit exposure to extreme temperatures
- No communal coolers or jugs
- Spitting, smokeless tobacco, sunflower seeds prohibited in restricted areas
- Hand-washing recommended after every half-inning or handling of equipment
- Dugout to meet physical distancing needs
- Rule changes for the season are pending
Off-field
- Players, managers, coaches, and some essential staff will undergo regular testing
- Those tested must self-quarantine until results are reported
- Individuals who test positive will extend their quarantine and undergo treatment in self-isolation
- All will have temperatures checked and complete a symptom and exposure questionnaire prior to entering any club facility
- Players on visiting rosters should isolate at hotels when not at the ballpark, and socializing with family or friends is discouraged
Fighting and instigating fights will result in severe punishments, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Players will be required to avoid physical contact unless it's part of natural game action.
The players' association still needs to sign off on the proposal for anything to be made official.
"At first glance, I think it's very thorough," St. Louis Cardinals reliever Andrew Miller, a member of the MLBPA's executive subcommittee, told Bob Nightengale of USA Today. "There is a lot of responsibility put on players and staff to do their part to avoid the virus. The vision for this season (is) far different than any of us ever imagined we would take part in.
"The challenge to socially distance from our teammates is especially daunting and sacrifices on how we prepare will be constant. I know the players' association is working right now to make sure nothing is overlooked. It will take time, but we will get it right."
Additionally, the league is creating a COVID-19 education program to be completed by teams, players, umpires, and other personnel prior to returning.
While the document is said to be very specific in certain areas, some officials are skeptical the league will be able to enforce the guidelines within the necessary timeframe, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN.
