The Phillies will "expand the protective netting at Citizens Bank Park to cover both dugouts, a decision that follows a growing safety trend" in MLB and "satisfies the wishes of some players," according to Matt Gelb of the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER. The netting over the dugouts will "be eight feet high." The team "disclosed the change in an email this week to season-ticket holders." The netting behind home plate previously had "ended at the closest end of the dugouts," whereas now it will "reach the far end of both dugouts." Gelb noted only the Royals, Twins, Rangers and Nationals "constructed netting that covered the entire length of the dugouts" in '16. More teams are "expected to add it" in '17, but it is "unclear how many." The Phillies said that they have "invited affected season-ticket holders to visit Citizens Bank Park to view the new netting, which is expected to be installed by the end of January" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 1/7). In Delaware, Meghan Montemurro noted the new protective netting will "remain in place during pre-game activities and batting practice." The netting will "only be taken down when it needs to be repaired or replaced" (Wilmington NEWS JOURNAL, 1/7).
