With details about the coronavirus pandemic evolving every day, it is difficult to say if the Major League Baseball season will begin as scheduled on March 26, or if fans will be allowed to attend games.
But as of this moment, neither the Yankees nor Mets have altered their plans. According to a team spokesperson, the Mets currently expect to proceed with Opening Day on March 26 and play all subsequent home games at Citi Field with fans in attendance -- unless told otherwise by MLB or government authorities.
The Yankees open in Baltimore and Tampa Bay before returning to Yankee Stadium on April 2. According to a spokesman, the team is "taking direction from MLB and health officials on all coronavirus-related protocols."
In other words, nothing has changed yet, but they will listen to the authorities.
An Orioles spokesperson did not immediately return a message. Nearby Washington, D.C. on Wednesday recommended cancelling gatherings of more than 1,000 people.
Also on Wednesday, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee reportedly moved to restrict gatherings of more than 250 people, forcing the Seattle Mariners to relocate early home games, perhaps to Arizona.
According to MLB sources, other teams -- likely those that play in California and particularly the Bay Area -- are being forced to consider the same. On Wednesday, the Giants cancelled a March 24 exhibition against the A's in San Francisco. The teams might also have to move regular season games, a source said.
No plans have been finalized.
