D-backs players are continuing to receive their weekly Spring Training per diems of about $300GETTY IMAGES
The D-backs yesterday "informed players who were expected to take part in spring training that they would be receiving one-time deposits of up to $1,500," according to Nick Piecoro of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. The D-backs, who had around 200 players in minor league camp, are "cutting checks for $1,000 for players who had been staying in the team hotel during spring training and $1,500 for those who had been living elsewhere." Players also are "continuing to receive their weekly spring training per diems of about $300." The team "likely will end up providing additional financial assistance" once MLB "determines how teams will handle in-season minor league salary on a league-wide basis." Players at all levels "do not get paid in the offseason" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 3/19).
DOING THEIR PART: In Cleveland, Joe Noga cites sources as saying that Indians minor-league players will "receive $400 stipends for the next two weeks" as MLB officials "sort out compensation for players throughout the farm system." Noga notes minor-league players are "not eligible for unemployment benefits because they have contracts with their individual clubs." Many will "find it hard to get temporary work during the coronavirus quarantine due to the nature of their sport and the fact they could eventually be called back to play." The Mets and Dodgers were "among the first teams to take proactive steps regarding minor-league compensation," with the Red Sox, Cardinals, Padres, Rays and Marlins "planning to continue payments" to players (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 3/19).
