Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper (3) spits after striking out during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Washington Nationals on September 25, 2019, in National Park, Washington DC
Mark Goldman | Icon Sportswire | fake pictures
Major League Baseball unveiled its health and safety protocols, which include “unique features” such as banning players from spitting and extending the designated hitter position, as the league prepares to open its 2020 season impacted by Covid-19.
The MLB said the summer camps will open Wednesday and that all players and staff will have to go through “medical tests and evaluation processes before entering the Club facilities.” Full workouts will begin on Friday, with opening day games scheduled for July 23-24.
In addition, on and off field guidelines will be modified for the shortened season. Changes and additions include the designated hitter (DH) added to the National League for the first time in MLB history. DH’s role is normally used only in the American League.
After failing to agree on games and salary structure, the MLB and its players union decided on a 60-game season that will consist of “playing 40 divisional games and 20 interleague games against the corresponding geographic division,” according to Launch league.
But as plans to return this week finalize, it will be interesting to monitor players who decide not to return. On Monday, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Leake said through his agent that he will not return this, the AP reported. Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman also retired from the season, citing family concerns.
Other changes to the 2020 regular season include:
- An extra innings rule that allows clubs to have a runner placed at second base
- Inclusion of the minimum three-hitter rule that requires pitchers to face a minimum of three hitters before being substituted.
- Ban on spitting items such as sunflower seeds, peanut shells, or tobacco. Chewing gum is allowed.
- Pitchers will be able to carry wet rags in their back pockets to use instead of licking their fingers.
The MLB suspended operations on March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The MLB hopes to end the 2020 season in mid-October.
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