Dodgers announce strict dugout rules amid COVID outbreak in MLB

With six teams having to postpone their games on Friday, there is growing concern across Major League Baseball that the league could potentially be shut down soon. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, commissioner Rob Manfred told MLB Players Association executive director Tony Clark on Friday that if the sport doesn’t do a better job of managing the coronavirus, it could shut down for the season.

After the news, Justin Turner sent a text to Alanna Rizzo, stating the new rules that will be in place effective immediately.

For those that don’t have Twitter or don’t want to click the tweet, here are the measures the team will be taking.

• All players will wear face coverings in the dugout
• Any player not in the lineup or game will not be in the dugout during the game
• Pitching coaches will not be in dugout when team is on offense
• Hitting coaches will not be in the dugout when team is on defense
• Readdressed high fives and handshakes
• Stressed 6 feet of distancing and face coverings in the bullpens where guys may have to sit in the stands to ensure space
• Also stressed avoiding public appearances for marketing purposes

This is great that the Dodgers are taking this seriously. Hopefully other teams will quickly adapt these strict rules.

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