Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association are hoping to start a season that has been in limbo because of the COVID-19 pandemic in early June, according to a report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
The hope is to play as many games as possible, although less optimistic scenarios still exist, including the possibility of a later start and even the possibility of a “doomsday scenario” where no games are played at all. All of those, as well as the potential complicated juggling of player salaries, service time issues and payment to minor league players have been discussed, according to the report.
MLB and the MLBPA have acknowledged the likelihood of a shortened season, per the report, hoping play begins in early June with players receiving prorated salaries based on number of games played. Players have told ESPN they’d be willing to play as many as two doubleheaders a week to get as close to a full 162-game schedule as possible.
Expanded playoff scenarios have been discussed, some of which would take the regular season into October with playoff games in November, perhaps at neutral warm weather sites or perhaps domed stadiums.
The regular season was scheduled to begin Thursday. The Sox were supposed to host the Royals at Guaranteed Rate Field and the Cubs were slated to play the Brewers in Milwaukee.
