The long wait is over, and Rockies baseball is finally back.
But will it last?
The coronavirus pandemic will determine whether the MLB’s 60-game season and playoffs are completed on schedule — late July to late October — as teams adapt to a new baseball reality. In accordance with league guidelines, here’s a breakdown of how the Rockies are moving forward with health measures, team policies and game rules to make it happen.
How will players, coaches and staff be monitored for coronavirus? They will be tested every other day for COVID-19 during the regular season and playoffs, in addition to monthly antibody tests. Players will get temperature/symptom checks twice a day. The six-foot social distancing rule applies to team members at all times outside of game competition.
How will they stay safe during games? A new ball will be put into the game after one has been touched by multiple players. Anyone in the dugout or bullpen must wear a mask. The league is barring the exchange of pregame lineup cards, celebrating with physical touch (high-fives, hugs, fist bumps) and spitting sunflower seeds/tobacco. Fights are prohibited. Games will initially be played minus fans and with a 40-game division schedule to limit travel.
What happens if a player tests positive for coronavirus? The MLB instituted a separate COVID-19 IL for players who either have symptoms or test positive. That player must self-isolate with regular medical assessments. A return to organized team activity requires consecutive negative tests.
What happens if a team outbreak occurs? The MLB is staggering its rosters with 30 players for the first two weeks, 28 the next two weeks, and 26 the rest of the season. The league is allowing teams to have 60 players under contract this year who are eligible to play.
What if a city outbreak occurs where games are played? The MLB said it is willing to move games to neutral sites to accommodate health concerns.
