Clubs may not direct, encourage or request players travel to facilities prior to spring trainingGETTY IMAGES
MLB sent a "detailed memo to its 30 teams Monday restricting access to their facilities and limiting voluntary workouts before the start of spring training," according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY. Several MLB teams "planned to open their spring-training facilities this week to their players and staff for voluntary workouts." MLB's memo was sent to "every team’s front office with strict regulations, threatening harsh disciplinary measures to any team violating the procedures." The memo reads, "Until the commencement of spring training ... clubs may not direct, encourage, or request (even on a voluntary basis) that players travel from their present locations to the club’s spring training site for the purpose of utilizing club facilities." Nightengale reports spring training is "scheduled to commence Feb. 17 with Opening Day on April 1, but MLB has discussed delaying the season." However, the MLBPA is "adamant that the season start on time." MLB also will "require that each club provides a list of players who request access to their facilities before the start of spring training." Teams "must also maintain daily records of all players and staff members who enter the facility, including arrival and departure times, and temperature readings" (USA TODAY, 1/6). In N.Y., Ken Davidoff reports the "strict safety protocols from last year -- including mandates like the wearing of masks at all times, temperature checks and tracking of all players on site -- remain intact" (N.Y. POST, 1/6).
