We spent some time this morning examining Major League Baseball’s 101-page “operations manual” covering the 60-game season that begins next month.
Everything from game rules, health protocols, travel, and media regulations is covered in the document.
Many of the rules, regulations and recommendations are framed in common sense. (You know, wash your hands after going to the bathroom.)
However, some of them were obvious and we offer them here:
• There is no set rule for off-court behavior, there is no forced “bubble”, but players will need to participate in an educational program dedicated to health and safety and will be asked to act responsibly to eliminate risks for themselves and for others.
• Players are asked to refrain from spitting. Pitchers can’t lick their fingers to improve their baseball feel. They are allowed to carry a small wet rag in the back pocket. They should clean the rubber and dry their hands after using it. Only water is allowed in the rag. The referee may review the rag at any time. Such an inspection would likely require you to put on gloves.
• A starting pitcher may leave the stadium before the game if he is not pitching that day. In fact, they are encouraged to leave the park when the team is on the road, provided there is approved transportation back to the team’s hotel.
• The document contains diagrams of where the manager and the coaching staff should position themselves on the bench to promote distancing.
• Non-playing personnel must wear masks on the bench.
• Everyone on the team bus must wear a mask.
• Players not in the game must extend and use the auxiliary space or the stands.
• Leaning over the bench railing is not recommended, but is not prohibited. Beginners should cover the railing with a towel.
• Using indoor batting cages is fine, but players are encouraged to hit outside whenever possible.
• Players will go through admissions tests when they show up for “spring training,” which is scheduled to begin next week. That will include some blood tests. Players must be quarantined for 24-48 hours while awaiting test results. Once cleared, players will have their temperature taken twice a day and will be tested every other day. The locations and activations of the COVID-19 IL, which does not have a specific duration, will be approved by a joint committee.
• The document contains diagrams of where players should be placed for drills (pitcher field practice, base run drills, etc.) during “spring training”. This is to optimize space.
• Approved media can cover games. Distance rules will apply in the press box and there will be no one-to-one access for the manager or players. They are allowed to bring their own hoagies, with proper detection.
• Transactions and signatures can resume at noon, five days before the start of training camp. With the camps open next Wednesday, July 1, that means Friday noon. This is relevant to the Phillies because they will seek to sign JT Realmuto for a contract extension before opening day, which is likely to be July 23 or 24.
• There is no fight, the mound is not loaded. That would be a violation of social distancing.
• There will be follow-up contact after a positive test.
• High-risk players or staff will be offered a private workspace, locker room, and travel arrangements, if necessary.
• “Spring training” will include three phases, starting with small groups and gradually growing as the season approaches. The third stage of the camp allows a series of games.
• There must be six feet between lockers in clubhouses and the auxiliary clubhouse is recommended for space.
• It has been suggested that teams use curtains, etc., to promote distance in shower areas.
• There will be a business deadline of August 31.
• Pitchers will receive a personal set of baseballs for bullpen sessions.
• Batting helmets will be individually cleaned, disinfected, and wrapped before packing for travel.
• Teams are encouraged to use small or private airports, which should not be a problem because all teams fly private flights.
• Members of a team travel group should board aircraft with distance in mind. Travelers must spread out on airplanes, clean touch areas, and open vents.
• Travelers who use the bathroom on a team plane should wear disposable gloves, close the lid before rinsing, and wash their hands. Additionally, people on team flights are asked to wait several minutes between bathroom uses. (That’s good advice even in normal times.)
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