2024-03-01 11:50:16
Text: Editorial Cuba Noticias 360
While more than thirty Cubans are expected to return to the Major League grass in 2021, Major League Baseball and the Players Union agreed to maintain the seven-inning doubleheaders and runners on second base to start the extrainnings, for the second time. time.
The agreement does not contemplate the use of the designated hitter in the National League or an expansion of the playoff format, which was tested experimentally last year, according to the Associated Press.
After allowing 16 teams in the postseason instead of 10, MLB proposed 14 participating in the playoffs this year before withdrawing that plan last month.
A total of 78 games were defined in extra episodes during the year. The longest were a pair of 13-inning duels in Houston, with victories by the Los Angeles Dodgers (July 29) and Oakland (August 7). Every previous season since 1901 had featured at least one game of 15 or more innings. Forty-five games were postponed due to the pandemic, and two of them could never be made up. To complete a shortened season, 56 doubleheaders were played, the most since 76 in 1986.
The agreement includes a more sophisticated contact tracing process for COVID-19, including the use of technology, and additional rules to apply health protocols. Spring training will begin on February 17 and the regular season will get underway on April 1. Players, on-field staff and others who require access to them in stadiums must wear electronic tracking wristbands from the start of spring training and face discipline for violations. Players will be encouraged to get vaccinated, but it is not required.
MLB and the players association combined to spend about $35 million on COVID-19 testing and rules last year.
Players will undergo PCR testing for the second consecutive season, primarily through saliva samples, but with a provision that allows for nasal swabs. Occasionally blood samples will be collected for serology or rapid antibody testing. PCR testing will occur at least every other day beginning with spring training and will continue as the player’s team advances until the postseason ends. There will be a daily assessment of temperature and symptoms.
Spring training begins February 17 in Florida and Arizona. A player must undergo a five-day home quarantine before reporting, with exceptions for essential activities and approved outdoor training and exercises. Players, on-field personnel, and non-playing personnel requiring access may not during spring training, the season, or the postseason go to restaurants, bars, gyms, casinos, or any indoor gatherings within 10 or more people. Traveling groups will be encouraged to keep windows open in hotel rooms and team buses for ventilation, according to the more than 100-page text seen by the AP.
During the regular season, a game of less than five innings stopped by rain will be suspended and continued. Players will be able to drive their own cars instead of taking team buses to maximize distancing.