MLBPA Exec Dir Tony Clark said that players who "test positive for opioids would enter treatment and not be suspended" under changes to the league's drug agreement currently "being negotiated by management" and the union, according to Steve Wine of the AP. Clark said that the league and union are in "agreement that treatment would be warranted for opioids and not discipline." He also said that the addition to the drug agreement will "likely be made this offseason." Clark: "I'm pretty confident that's where we're going." Clark spoke on the drug policy changes after "three days of union meetings, with all 30 player representatives in attendance." The focus of those meetings was on "preparations for collective bargaining." Clark: "We spent a lot of time talking about industry economics and player markets. We're nowhere near a point of proposals and formal engagement." Wine noted the MLBPA also "discussed pace of play and isn't enthusiastic about MLB's proposal to require a three-batter minimum for pitchers next season." However, Clark said that the union is "receptive to reducing the length of breaks between innings to 1 minute, 55 seconds during the regular season, another change management has the right to make" for next season (AP, 12/4).
