The Toronto Blue Jays are looking for alternative options after the state of Pennsylvania denied on Wednesday a request to play most of their 2020 home games at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
“In the past few weeks, we have seen a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in southwestern Pennsylvania,” said Dr. Rachel Levine, Secretary of Health. “Add travelers to this region for any reason, including for professional sporting events, risks to residents, visitors, and members of both teams.
“We know that this virus does not discriminate, and can even make professional athletes seriously ill. We are committed to protecting the health and well-being of all Pennsylvania residents.”
The decision again leaves the Blue Jays looking for a home. One option includes going to each scheduled opponent’s city and playing as a home team, sources told ESPN’s Buster Olney.
The Canadian government denied the Blue Jays’ request to play at the Rogers Center in Toronto because the regular season schedule would require frequent travel from the United States, where COVID-19 cases are emerging. The other 29 major league teams plan to play the pandemic-shortened 60-game season at their local baseball stadiums, with no fans.
Toronto begins the season at Tampa Bay on Friday.
Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said he was excited about the PNC Park option, and Pirates manager Derek Shelton said he would have no problem moving the Blue Jays. Former Blue Jays executive Ben Cherington is the Pirates’ general manager.
Baltimore is also being considered as a possible host site, outfielder Randal Grichuk said Tuesday, as is the team’s Triple-A affiliate in Buffalo, New York. Grichuk, however, said the players wanted to play in a major league stadium.
The team had been considering playing at home at its spring training facility in Dunedin, Florida, but Florida is among the states that are hot spots for the coronavirus.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
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