Some news and notes from the National League …
- Concerns about the coronavirus have helped lead four major league players: the Nationals. Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross, the Diamondbacks Mike Leake and the rocky mountains Ian Desmond – choose not to participate in the 2020 season this week. Beer gardener Ryan Braun He has not joined them, although he is wary of playing amid a pandemic, according to Mike DiGiovanna and Arash Markazi of the Los Angeles Times. The six-time All-Star told the LA Times “There is some nervousness and apprehension” adding, “My highest priority is to be a first parent and second husband, so leaving three young children and my wife in an environment where I don’t know what it will be like or when I will return exactly or how safe it will be. It will be a little scary and completely different from anything I’ve experienced. ” Although the season is slated to start in a few weeks, Braun is not convinced that the league can end or even begin, DiGiovanna and Markazi report.
- the Mets They are “Extremely excited” about the progress reliever Dellin Betances It has done, and they hope it will be a full participant in summer camp, according to general manager Brodie Van Wagenen (via Anthony DiComo of MLB.com). Betances, whom the Mets signed with a $ 10.5MM guarantee over the winter, missed most of last season as a Yankee due to shoulder problems. In his only appearance of the year, on September 15, the right-hander hit the two hitters he faced before suffering a partial break from Achilles while jumping off the mound. However, if Betances returns to his typical form this season, it should be a great help to the Mets. The 32-year-old is a four-time All-Star who has posted a 2.36 / 2.31 FIP ERA with 14.64 K / 9, 4.01 BB / 9 and 117 stops during his 381 2/3 inning career.
- More about the Mets, who has had a coronavirus-positive player on his 40-man roster, Van Wagenen told Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News and other reporters on Monday. They have also had positive tests among minor leaguers. But the 40-player is recovering well, and Van Wagenen believes the Mets have been “Unbelievably lucky” have so few positive tests to your point.
- We now know that there will be no minor league baseball season in 2020. However, two more teams have stepped up to pay their minor league players in the next two months. the Dodgers have made the weekly commitment of $ 400 through August, according to one of their own farmers, Ryan Moseley. the PhilliesIn the meantime, he will pay his minor league players throughout the season, tweets Matt Gelb of The Athletic.
