Following the CDC recommendation in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic of eight weeks without gatherings of more than 50 people, MLB announced Monday that the start of the season -- already delayed until at least April 9 -- will be pushed back even further.

The earliest date for the start of the regular season is now May 9.

Many Mets, including Noah Syndergaard, have remained in Port St. Lucie since the league shut down spring training Thursday and announced the initial delay of the regular season.

Marcus Stroman tweeted earlier Monday that he would not be slowing down during the break.

"Never taking time off," Stroman wrote. "Staying on routine and preparing for season daily. This period of time is perfect to get ahead...not fall behind. I'll be working working as usual. Hopefully see all of y'all around the country at ballparks sooner rather than later. Stay safe and healthy!"

The expectation is that MLB will need to have an abbreviated spring training before beginning the regular season, and players staying in game shape between now and then can seemingly help cut down on the amount of time that will be needed.

It's not yet clear whether the league would start any "new" spring training before the eight-week CDC recommendation is up, but it's fair to believe they can do so while staying within the guidelines. That would mean having any games without fans, potentially with fewer total players in each dugot, and limiting the amount of team personnel in any given area.

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