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MLB considering schedule changes after COVID-19 outbreak?

Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

MLB considering schedule changes after Marlins' coronavirus outbreak?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/28/20

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.

In team vote, vast majority of Nationals players voted against going to Miami for three-game series this weekend, sources tell The Athletic. Decision will rest with MLB.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 28, 2020

Nationals manager Dave Martinez and GM Mike Rizzo led the meeting at which players voted against going to Miami, according to a person with knowledge of the conversation. They asked who felt uncomfortable. Most players raised their hands.
— Stephanie Apstein (@stephapstein) July 28, 2020

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.

Teams are discussing Yankees going to Baltimore for games Wednesday and Thursday to take place of Marlins. Yankees and O’s, bystanders only Marlins situation, are trying to get creative and make up games. Needs player approval of course.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 28, 2020

One scenario under discussion, according to source with direct knowledge: Marlins, Phillies would quarantine for undetermined period. Yankees would travel to Baltimore and play Orioles on Wednesday and Thursday. Marlins, Phillies would try to make up postponed games later.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 28, 2020

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.

#Phillies also may be stopped from playing for a few days but not as long as the #Marlins. Plan would be then for the #Yankees, who were supposed to play at home v. #Phllies Wed/Thurs, to instead play at #Orioles, who were supposed to play Marlins
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 28, 2020

Heard MLB would like to get 60-game season in for all teams, but not wedded to it. If some teams play 58, 56, 55, etc, winning pct would determine playoff spots.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 28, 2020

The precedent for odd numbers/win pct wins is the 1981 split season. For example, in 2d half certain teams in the NL East played 51, 52, 53, 54 games.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 28, 2020

MLB must sign off on any presented schedule changes and alterations.

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