MLB commissioner Rob Manfred told ESPN last night he is “not confident” there will be a 2020 season with no dialogue with the union. Manfred said MLB will not continue with a schedule until the Players Association waives its right to all legal claims that the league violated a March agreement. Union chief Tony Clark issued a statement saying “players are disgusted” Manfred has opted “to go back on his word” after saying 100-percent there would be a season. Clark said this latest threat is another indicator the owners have been negotiating in bad faith from the beginning.
Meanwhile, MLB informed the Players Association several big league players and coaches have tested positive for COVID-19, USA Today reports. It states it could be unsafe to open the season early even if the two sides negotiate a deal soon to “play ball.” MLB deputy commissioner Dan Halem denies the league is using the report as a stall tactic to play fewer games.