MLB decided to "err on the side of caution during the COVID-19 pandemic and refrain from asking clubs to take additional steps outside of the normal routines at this time," meaning the scheduled Aug. 13 Field of Dreams game between the White Sox and Cardinals "is off," according to a source cited by Tommy Birch of the DES MOINES REGISTER. MLB still is "planning on making a trip to Dyersville, Iowa, with a game in the cards for sometime in 2021." The White Sox are "still expected to be part of the game," but the opponent for next season "remains up in the air." The hope was that the '20 game "would be an audition of sorts, and if everything went smoothly, MLB could add the game to future schedules." Construction also was "continuing for the park throughout the pandemic this spring and summer." Planning for the game "was moving forward as well" (DES MOINES REGISTER, 8/4). In Iowa, Jeff Johnson writes it is believed the game's cancellation "had to do with 'logistics' more than a coronavirus outbreak on the Cardinals team." As of yesterday afternoon, the Cardinals had seven players and six other staff members "test positive" (Cedar Rapids GAZETTE, 8/4). Meanwhile, a White Sox spokesperson said that they still "were waiting to hear" from MLB about the game's official status. White Sox manager Rick Renteria said, "Until we have official word of that, I'm going to assume we're there" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 8/4).
