MLB allows clubs to offer refunds due to coronavirus pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic that indefinitely postponed Major League Baseball Opening Day games around the country continues to keep the start of big-league baseball on hold for the foreseeable future. 

On Tuesday, MLB acknowledged that its previously-created schedule for 2020 is no longer realistic by informing clubs they can offer refunds for games lost because of the virus outbreak. 

ESPN's Jesse Rogers and Gabe Lacques of USA Today both explained that the league is leaving decisions regarding any refunds up to individual clubs rather than mandating teams offer money back to customers who held tickets for games that, otherwise, would've occurred in late March and April. 

As Rogers wrote, fans around the country have complained to state attorney general offices about MLB holding onto their money for games that had little to no chance of taking place as scheduled. Before Tuesday's news broke, all MLB events were deemed postponed instead of canceled. 

Clubs can offer credit toward games hoped to be played in 2021 instead of direct refunds.

On Monday, ESPN's Jeff Passan reported of growing optimism among those within MLB that some sort of season will occur this year. However, it seems a lock that games won't begin until June at the earliest, and that they will be played without fans in attendance. 

It's also likely MLB will ask players to quarantine away from family members and loved ones for a period of time to ensure the safety of all individuals needed to complete and broadcast games. The MLB and MLB Players Association haven't yet announced an agreement that would allow clubs and athletes to prepare for a modified Spring Training amid the pandemic.