MLB today announced that the Cubs-Cardinals series slated for London this summer "has been canceled" due to concerns over the coronavirus, according to Derrick Goold of the ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH. The series had "long been in jeopardy, dating back to early March and the opening concerns about international travel." The Cardinals had lobbied MLB to "wait on a decision until closer to the scheduled date of the series, June 13-14." MLB confirmed today that the London Series has been canceled and "will not take place" at any point this season. The Cardinals "gave up two home games in order to be considered for the series." If the two games planned for London are "indeed played, they can be done at Busch Stadium -- the alternate site for the games" (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 4/1). MLB already had "scrapped series in Mexico City and San Juan, Puerto Rico," slated for earlier in the season due to the coronavirus (AP, 4/1).
Both teams and players have pledged commitment to a regular season as stocked with games as possibleGETTY IMAGES
DWINDLING OPTIONS: In N.Y., Joel Sherman writes it is becoming increasingly likely the MLB season will begin "without crowds" and "without a standard minor league feeder system." Teams and players have "pledged commitment to a regular season as stocked with games as possible." But an MLB official said, "The only way we play, at least initially, is without fans." MLB has suspended operations until at least mid-May, and Sherman notes playing in empty ballparks, at least at the outset, "could provide MLB a way to avoid what could be the embarrassment of small crowds while meeting the obligation to play as many games as feasible." Part of playing as many games as possible will "likely entail the addition of doubleheaders, the removal of some off days and an extension of the regular season into October" (N.Y. POST, 4/1). Angels P and MLBPA rep Andrew Heaney confirmed that the union has "discussed beginning the season by playing games without fans in ballparks just to expedite a return to normality." MLBPA Exec Dir Tony Clark last week said that the union is "'very open' to playing games" in empty venues (L.A. TIMES, 4/1).
JOB WELL DONE: MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred told MiLB clubs and its players that they are "officially suspending the season, but agreed to pay minor-leaguers $400 per week through May." Manfred said that he still "expects the minor-league season to resume this season, but he has no idea when." USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale notes the $400 stipend "represents a significant paycut for minor-league veterans, with many scheduled to earn more than $10,000 a month at the Triple-A level." It will be a "raise for minor-league players in low levels" (USA TODAY, 4/1).
