The news cycle was littered with excitement Tuesday after news broke that MLB and the players’ union agreed to jumpstart the 2020 season.
But for Rockies fans, the good news shifted quickly.
Despite the leagues plans to play ball, the threat of a second COVID-19 outbreak is on the minds of many, especially after three Colorado players tested positive for the virus.
Charlie Blackmon, Phil Diehl and Ryan Castellani all tested positive for COVID-19. Numerous reports state the three players tested positive last week after training at Coors Field.
9NEWS has confirmed that Charlie Blackmon and two other players have tested positive for COVID-19 after working out at Coors Field. #9sports #Rockies
— 9NEWS Sports Denver (@9NEWSSports) June 24, 2020
The news comes days after cases of COVID-19 emerged at various Spring Training facilities in Florida. Due to the recent outbreaks, MLB shut down all Spring Training facilities in Florida and Arizona. Spring Training 2.0 will be held at each team’s ballpark in their home cities, and players will report to their respective camps no later than July 1.
The 60-game schedule is set to begin on July 23 or 24 and conclude no later than the last day of September.
According to the Denver Post, two of the three who tested positive players are asymptomatic. Additionally, all other players who were present at Coors Field tested negative.
There are 15 known cases of COVID-19 amongst ballplayers and team staff, a number that could grow as testing ramps up before the start of the season.
Blackmon has been vocal about his desire to play ball this summer. The four-time all-star was a guest on the Rich Eisen Show in May, and went as far as to say the country needs baseball in light of the pandemic.
“This country needs baseball,” Blackmon said on the Rich Eisen Show. “We need to get back to summer life. Get back to normalcy, being able to watch live events on TV. We need that badly.”
The recent confirmed cases appear to have no impact on MLB’s return to play plan. While the positive tests within the Rockies clubhouse are concerning, they are not alarming to the league’s brass.
At this point, a few positive tests here or there do not appear to be enough to not stop baseball’s return. The show must go on.
