Major League Baseball players are preparing for the start of a shortened 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred imposed a 60-game season after weeks of irritating negotiations between the league’s owners and the MLB Players Association (MLBPA). After the two sides finalized the health and safety protocols, the players began reporting for a second “spring” training last week.
With players resuming team activities, we’ve received a flurry of photos and videos of players in uniform after an absence from any major league activity of any kind over the months. An image that has been circulating online is that of Angels superstar outfielder Mike Trout. The current AL MVP is seen running the bases while wearing a mask. Trout’s mother Debbie shared the image on Twitter with her own message.
“If Mike Trout can wear a mask while running the bases, he can wear a mask by going out in public,” read the captioned image, with the hashtag “#WearAMask”.
Debbie Trout’s message is certainly timely. Public health experts have recommended wearing face masks in public to decrease the spread of COVID-19, but many people have defied health guidelines and with increasing cases of coronavirus in parts of the United States, especially in Arizona, Florida. And Texas, it is fair to wonder if MLB will be able to run a season this summer.
Trout, himself, has even expressed concern about playing the 2020 season amid the coronavirus pandemic. Trout’s wife Jessica is due to give birth to the couple’s first child in August. She said keeping her wife and future child healthy is her top priority, so she may choose to stop playing if a coronavirus outbreak occurs to make sure she can be present for the birth of her child. A positive test for COVID-19 could prevent Trout from seeing your baby for at least two weeks.
The MLB 2020 schedule will launch on Monday morning. Here are the latest coronavirus-related updates for each MLB team, including positive cases and players who have chosen to exit the 2020 season.
