(Undated) — The Louisville Bats, Nashville Sounds and Memphis Redbirds will not take the field this season. There will not be any Minor League Baseball this year. The organization announced it has canceled the 2020 season after Major League Baseball said it would not provide players for their affiliated teams. MiLB President Pat O’Conner explained this will be the first summer without minor league action since it was founded in 1901. He called it a sad day but noted clubs can start focusing on 2021 without having the uncertainty surrounding this season. Major League Baseball had its own issues trying to get a 2020 season underway.
(Undated) — It’s time for a second spring training in Major League Baseball. Players are expected to report today to their respective clubs for MLB’s preseason summer camp. Most workouts start Friday. All 30 teams have submitted 60-man player pools for 2020. A 60-game season begins on July 23rd or 24th.
(Undated) — As MLB players test positive for the coronavirus, teams will not be allowed to identify who tested positive. Yankees GM Brian Cashman and Cubs GM Jed Hoyer said in a conference call they won’t be able to say who tested positive under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Teams will also not specifically announce a COVID-19 designation if they replace a player who has tested positive. Only players will be able to reveal their positive test status.
(Chicago, IL) — Kyle Schwarber will be the Cubs’ probable designated hitter for the 60-game MLB season. Cubs manager David Ross told the Chicago Sun Times he has spoken to Schwarber about DHing and he is comfortable doing that and is ready to do “whatever I ask.” Ross said it would not be a strict DH for Schwarber, who is considered a defensive liability but is a threat as a right-handed hitter. There will be a universal DH for both leagues in 2020.
(St. Louis, MO) — The Cardinals have had their first positive COVID-19 test, several outlets report. The team did not confirm whether it was a player. The person will be self-quarantined and be tested again. By MLB guidelines, players will be tested every other day and if one tests positive two negative tests will be required before they are able to return to the team.