The Coronavirus has put a stop to almost everything around the world, including professional sports. Major League Baseball “Opening Day” was supposed to be March 26. Instead, MLB is having an extended offseason going into the month of April.

All 30 MLB clubs were at their spring training facilities a few weeks ago getting ready for the season, but on March 12, commissioner Rob Manfred shut down all facilities in Arizona and Florida and opted to send all the players home. This was a precautionary step in trying to prevent the spread of the virus in clubhouses all around the league. Not only did this put spring training on pause, but it pushed back the start of the regular season. 

“Whenever it’s safe to play, we’ll be back,” Manfred told ESPN on March 25. “And we will be part of the recovery, the healing in this country, from this particular pandemic.” He also added that his optimistic look is that the league will prepare for the season at some point in May. Many think this is too soon, but front office league staff think there’s hope for spring training to start back up again by this time.

With the possibility of a shortened season because of the virus, the MLB could be tasked with figuring out a new playoff bracket to accommodate for the potential shortage of games. The typical MLB regular season is 162 games, spanning from April all the way to September with a one week break for the All Star Game festivities.

Minor leaguers in both the Red Sox and Yankees organizations have tested positive for the virus, among others. No matter when the MLB returns, Manfred assures baseball fans around the world that the return of baseball will signal something much greater.

“I think it will mark a real milestone in the return to normalcy.”