Several MLB players reportedly tested positive for COVID-19
Several MLB players and team staff have reportedly tested positive for COVID-19, adding another complication to the league's messy attempt to start its season.
According to USA Today, it is not currently known which players have tested positive, as the publication learned of the news through a letter from MLB's Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem to Players Association attorney Bruce Meyer.
"The proliferation of COVID-19 outbreaks around the country over the last week, and the fact that we already know of several 40-man roster players and staff who have tested positive, has increased the risks associated with commencing spring training in the next few weeks," Halem wrote.
Several players have called out the timing of the letter as an attempt to hurt the position of the players during negotiation. Washington Nationals pitcher Sean Doolittle tweeted, "First, I hope everyone is feeling ok and recovering well. But the timing of this leak is suspicious and it feels really gross."
The MLB and Players Association are locked in a heated battle regarding the season, with both sides disagreeing over several key issues, including the number of games played, compensation, and what quarantine measures should be put in place to keep players safe.
Major League Baseball’s last proposal offered a 72-game season, with players guaranteed 70% of their prorated regular-season salary, which would increase to 83% if the World Series is completed. The union's last proposal was players earn their full salary over 89 games.
It has reached the point where MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said that he believes there is "a real risk" that the season does not happen.
"I'm not confident. I think there's real risk, and as long as there's no dialogue, that real risk is going to continue," Manfred told ESPN's Mike Greenberg.
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