MLB submits player safety proposal to players association

*Photo from Talking Chop*

   MLB has submitted a 67 page proposal regarding player safety in the 2020 season to the MLB Players Association. The proposal does not talk about financial aspects of play in 2020, MLB seemingly wants to tackle player safety first in their negotiations with the players association. The proposal tackled safety guidelines both on and off the field for players, coaches, umpires, and clubhouse staff.

   Before the game begins, the managers of the teams playing won't meet at home plate to exchange lineup cards like usual, they will submit them through an app. Players must wear masks at all times unless on the field. A new baseball will be used after one is hit in play and touched by multiple players to prevent possible transmission of the virus through the baseball. Players will be standing 6 feet apart during the national anthem pregame and god bless america in the 7th inning. There won't be any communal water jugs or coolers to limit exposure through those surfaces. Spitting, smokeless tobacco, and sunflower seeds will also be disallowed in certain areas. Hand washing will be recommended after every half inning or after handling equipment, and the players should sit apart in the dugout to meet social distancing rules. 

   Off the field, players, coaches, umpires, and some clubhouse staff members will undergo regular testing, which should occur around two times a week. After they are tested, it is recommended that the person stay apart from people until the results of the test are seen. If someone were to test positive, that person would then go into 14 day quarantine and undergo treatment. They would be free to come back to the game if they get tested twice in 24 hours, and both tests come back negative. Before anyone enters any team facility, that person would have their temperature checked and have to fill out a symptom questionnaire.

   Fighting and instigating fights would also result in severe punishments, more severe than normal due to players being in close contact during fights or bench clearing incidents. MLB is also creating a COVID-19 education program, which would be completed by players, coaches, umpires, and staff before beginning the season. The Players Association still needs to sign off on any proposal for it to be made official.