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The top four levels of Minor League Baseball were set to begin their season on April 9, but with Major League Baseball delaying the start of its regular season at least two weeks, MiLB has decided to delay the start of its own season, too.
The statement from Minor League Baseball:
“In light of the current coronavirus outbreak, and after consultation with medical professionals and our partners at Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball will delay the start of the 2020 Championship Season. We will continue to monitor the developments and will announce additional information about the 2020 season at a later date. We will work with Major League Baseball and our community partners to resume play as soon as it is safe to do so. The health and safety of Minor League Baseball fans, players and executives is our top priority, and our thoughts are with those around the world who have been affected by this outbreak.”
Even in the best-case scenario under MLB’s plan, the earliest major league opening day would be April 9, which was the original date planned to start minor league seasons for Triple-A, Double-A, and both levels of Class-A.
Triple-A Oklahoma City released a statement as well:
We support the decision by Minor League Baseball to delay the beginning of the 2020 season in the interest of safety and public health due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. As we wait for more clarity from Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball as to when the season will begin, we will work closely with the OKC-County Health Department and Oklahoma State Department of Health in preparation for our first game at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark to provide the safest and healthiest environment for our fans. In addition to health officials, we will also follow best practices and guidelines established by Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball.
Double-A Tulsa’s statement:
— Tulsa Drillers (@TulsaDrillers) March 13, 2020
Advanced-A Rancho Cucamonga released a statement:
Statement from the Quakes pic.twitter.com/qgWFCkUXTA
— Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (@RCQuakes) March 12, 2020
It sounds like Dodgers players will have a place to workout and keep baseball sharp if they so choose, at Camelback Ranch.
Roberts said the #Dodgers will keep the doors at Camelback Ranch open for players, but they can leave if they want.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) March 12, 2020
Roberts said the pace of workouts will be dialed back.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 12, 2020
Roberts said he will stay at Camelback Ranch.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 12, 2020
Most Dodgers, it is clear, plan to stay at Camelback Ranch and continue to train for the season during this delay of at least two weeks. Dave Roberts said he is unaware of any Dodgers heading home.
— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) March 12, 2020