MLB has released their latest memo regarding the safety of its players and staff members with coronavirus concerns still the top priority of the league. And their suggested guidelines are even more strict than shutting down spring training.
Players have been working out at their spring training facilities despite games being cancelled as well as the delay of the regular season. But MLB really wants its players and staff members to adopt stricter use of "social distancing," and that would seize any group or individual workouts at camps.
"The strong recommendation from our infectious disease and public health experts is that Clubs should avoid all activities in which players congregate in significant numbers or are otherwise unable to practice the "social distancing" protocols recommended by the CDC," the memo read, thanks to The Athletic's Evan Drellich. "The risk of a player in a Club facility contracting the virus is real, and we must implement protocols to protect the safety and well-being of our players and staff members. In addition, we must recognize that there is the potential for further federal and state restrictions that will impact our operations, including restrictions on travel."
Now, of course, this is only a recommendation. Players can still use the team's facilities as of now, but the memo made sure to point out that things could change on Monday when further guidelines are expected to be released. And it does state that "Clubs are not permitted to hold or organize any group workouts, practices, skill or conditioning sessions, or other player activities at their facilities."
As for non-roster players, they have been asked to go to their "offseason residences to the extent practical."
So basically MLB wants camps to shut down workouts and the only time it is necessary for anyone to be in contact with one another is if a player needs treatment from team staffers. And that's the protocol for now, as this situation continues to remain fluid.
The league will continue working diligently on making sure its players and everyone working within the sport are safe, which likely means spring camps could become an official ghost town very soon.