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The world famous Dodger Stadium sits empty. The facility will look much the same when the fan-less season gets underway at the end of July.
It was announced last week that Major League Baseball would indeed have a 2020 season. In a statement, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said, “ Major League Baseball is thrilled to announce that the 2020 season is on the horizon. We have provided the Players Association with a schedule to play 60 games and are excited to provide our great fans with baseball again soon.”
The season has been in doubt due to COVID-19 and resulting negotiations between owners and the players union. The two sides finally reached an agreement on Monday, June 22. Fans will see their favorite team play four divisional opponents 10 times each to make up 40 games and 20 games against the same division in the opposite league. This approach was presented as a way to minimize travel and limit possible COVID-19 exposures. Coronavirus testing will be performed daily and players not expected to play in that day’s game, such as the next day’s starting pitcher, will be separated from the team in the dugout. The league isn’t ruling out fan attendance, but the abbreviated season will begin with empty stadiums.
Along with the schedule change, MLB also announced several rule changes, including:
Designated hitter: Both leagues will use a designated hitter. While officially just for the 2020 season, this rule could be made permanent in the future.
Runner on second base: During the regular season, extra innings will begin with a runner on second base. The runner will either be the player who recorded the final out the last time his team batted or a pinch-runner. If that runner scores, the pitcher will not be charged with an earned run. This rule will not be used in playoff games.
Suspended games: Games postponed due to weather will be made up at a later date with play picking up where the game was instead of starting over.
Unsportsmanlike conduct: Players and managers arguing with an umpire will be punished if they fail to keep a distance of six feet between themselves and the official.
Wet rag: In lieu of licking their fingers, pitchers will be permitted to carry a wet rag in their back pocket to be used for moisture. Pitchers will not be allowed to use the rag while on the rubber and must clearly wipe their fingers dry before touching the ball or pitching rubber.
Players were scheduled to report to camp July 1 with the season set to begin July 23 or 24. Schedules have been submitted but not made official at the time of this article.