MLB sent a memo to MiLB teams on Monday "informing them that the 2021 minor league season at Double-A and the Class A levels will be delayed," telling the clubs that spring training for Double-A and Class A players "will not begin until MLB and Triple-A players have departed from spring training," according to J.J. Cooper of BASEBALL AMERICA. The delay will "allow for more social distancing during a time when the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the world" (BASEBALLAMERICA.com, 1/5). MLB Senior VP/Minor League Ops. & Development Peter Woodfork said that under the scenario, those minor leaguers "would report to spring training after big leaguers and Triple-A players leave for opening day 'unless it is necessary to utilize the alternate site arrangement at the beginning of the season' as MLB did for health reasons last year." Woodfork wrote MLB “will let minor league clubs know as soon as possible of any modifications to their facilities that are required in 2021 in the event we need to play prior to the vaccination of players." He said that MLB will "attempt to schedule as many minor league games as possible subject to health conditions." The AP's Ronald Blum notes MLB spring training "remains on track to start on time in mid-February and opening day is set for April 1, but a final decision for an on-time start has not yet been made" (AP, 1/6).
