Dr. Fauci says Marlins' coronavirus outbreak could put season 'in danger'

Less than a week into its shortened season, the MLB is already facing major problems, most notably the Marlins' coronavirus outbreak, as more than a dozen players and staff tested positive for COVID-19. 

Despite several games being postponed, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred insists the season can be salvaged. However, Dr. Fauci expressed his concern about the outbreak, saying it may end up forcing the league to shut down the season.

"This could put it in danger," Fauci said on "Good Morning America." "I don't believe they need to stop, but we just need to follow this and see what happens with other teams on a day-by-day basis."

The Marlins' two games this week against the Orioles have been postponed, but Manfred says that if players and team personnel test negative Tuesday, they could be playing again by Wednesday. While Fauci expressed his skepticism about the season, he did note that the MLB has put in protocol that should protect players and staff.

"Major League Baseball -- the players, the owners, the managers -- have put a lot of effort into getting together and putting protocols that we feel would work," Fauci said. "It's very unfortunate what happened with the Miami (Marlins)."

Even if they are able to get this outbreak under control, many will wonder if it's only a matter of time before the next outbreak. While the NBA's bubble has proven effective so far, baseball and football are taking the far riskier approach of playing in the real world. And from what we've seen, they may have picked the wrong path.