MLB considering schedule changes after Marlins' coronavirus outbreak?
As the coronavirus outbreak among members of the Miami Marlins that has cost MLB multiple games spreads throughout the organization, at least one opponent has no interest in flying to Florida to play against that club.
Soon after The Athletic reported that at least 17 people associated with the Marlins have tested positive, ESPN and other outlets confirmed that a majority of Washington Nationals players voted against traveling to Florida for a scheduled three-game series versus Miami that begins Friday.
Outings involving the Marlins and Baltimore Orioles, as well as a two-game series between the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees, were all postponed due to Miami's virus outbreak. The Marlins opened the campaign in Philadelphia last weekend.
Per MLB insiders Ken Rosenthal and Jon Heyman, MLB could have the Yankees and Orioles, currently in limbo through no fault of their personnel, play each other while the Marlins and Phillies temporarily quarantine.
On Monday, epidemiologist Dr. Zachary Binney said on "The Starkville" podcast that the Marlins and Phillies should both be shut down for at least five days to prevent further spread of the virus through the league.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post added it's possible some teams won't play full 60-game schedules for a season unlike any other.
MLB must sign off on any presented schedule changes and alterations.
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