One new MLB player tests positive for COVID-19

The number of positive COVID-19 cases among MLB players continues to decrease with Opening Day less than two full weeks away. 

On Friday, the league and the MLB Players Association announced that only one new player tested positive for the coronavirus over the past week. Two new players tested positive the previous week, while five recorded positive COVID-19 test results from Feb. 26 through March 4. 

Friday's update provides additional positive news for those looking to watch live meaningful baseball games beginning on April 1, but all should remember that teams remain at their spring training locations and aren't yet traveling around the country. As was proven on multiple occasions last summer, all it takes is a few individuals within one club breaking health and safety protocols to cause serious schedule disruptions. 

Unlike during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, it's believed the majority of MLB franchises, if not every team, will permit percentages of fans to attend games through at least the opening month of the upcoming campaign as coronavirus vaccine rollouts continue throughout the United States, per Alden Gonzalez and Jesse Rogers of ESPN.