The MLB 2020 season will start later this week in the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic.
The pandemic, which caused the delay and shortening of the season, will keep fans out of the stands and will be a constant concern during the 60-game campaign.
There are safety protocols, including face mask requirements in clubs for everyone, and coaches and managers must use them in canoes.
Some players go further.
Several players, including Yankees outfielder Clint Frazier and Phillies shortstop Didi Gregorius, have said they plan to wear a face mask on the field, which is optional, during the season.
“I’m definitely using it in games because I think it adds security for everyone, for me and for the people around me,” Gregorius said before an intra-squad game at Citizens Bank Park last week, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia. “So I think using it will be normal for me.”
Frazier hopes to give an example.
“I want to make sure that I am not the reason it spreads to anyone and that I can play if it is spread to someone else,” said Frazier. “If there is someone out there who sees me wearing a mask, maybe they will too … It doesn’t bother me at all. At first it was kind of weird, but I feel like it’s something that became second nature right now. “
Fans who want to follow Frazier’s lead can get MLB-themed face masks at Fanatics, Kohl’s, MLB Shop, and FOCUS. Other facemask options include athletic face masks from Under Armor, Adidas, and Reebok, as well as unbranded face masks at Amazon, Macy’s, and many other outlets here.
Other players who have said they plan to wear a mask during the regular season include Frazier’s teammate Kyle Higashioka, Houston Astros infielder Aledmys Diaz and Texas Rangers catcher Robinson Chirinos.
There are players who have not explicitly said they will wear a mask during the season, but were seen wearing one during intra-squad scrimmages or preseason adjustments over the weekend. That list includes Washington Nationals infielders Wilmer Difo and Raudy Read, Seattle Mariners third baseman Patrick Wisdom and Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Orlando Arcia.
The 2020 MLB regular season begins Thursday, when the Yankees face defending World Series champion Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, DC
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Brian Fonseca can be contacted at [email protected].
