Major League Baseball is expected to unilaterally issue a 60-game schedule amid the pandemic. The players’ association has rejected the plan, putting the sport on track for a combative and possibly unhappy return to the field.
FILE - In this Feb. 19, 2017, file photo, Major League Players Association Executive Director Tony Clark, answers questions at a news conference in Phoenix. Commissioner Rob Manfred says there might be no major league season after a breakdown in talks between teams and the union on how to split up money in a season delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. The league also said several players have tested positive for COVID-19.
MLB asked the union to respond by 5 p.m. EDT Tuesday as to whether players can report to training by July 1 and whether the players’ association will agree on the operating manual of health and safety protocols. The schedule would be the shortest since the National League’s third season. in a rare instance of a player criticizing the union. “We’re driving the bus straight off a cliff. How is this good for anyone involved? Covid 19 already presented a lose lose lose situation and we’ve somehow found a way to make it worse. Incredible.”The union said in a statement that the “board reaffirmed the players’ eagerness to return to work as soon and as safely as possible.”
Players refused to budge from their insistence on prorated salaries, and MLB finally agreed to that last week during the one-on-one meeting between Manfred and Clark. While Manfred called it a framework for an agreement, Clark said it was merely a proposal and further angered MLB. At that point, the sides remained about $275 million apart after weeks of talks. MLB offered 60 games and $1.48 billion from salaries that originally totaled $4 billion, plus a $25 million postseason players’ pool.
The sides have discussed expanding rosters to 30 active players during the season’s first two weeks, and 28 during the third and fourth weeks before settling in at the new 26-player limit. Because there are no minor league affiliates playing, each team would keep 60 players around.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Union leaders’ vote and coronavirus threat loom over MLB’s pitch for a 60-game seasonAccording to reports, the MLBPA's executive board could vote as early as Sunday.
Read more »
AP source: Players' board rejects 60-game season by 33-5The ruling body of the Major League Baseball players union has rejected a proposed 60-game season. Commissioner Rob Manfred is now expected to unilaterally order the season's start amid the pandemic - and provoke what figures to be a long court fight.
Read more »
Union leaders’ vote and coronavirus threat loom over MLB’s pitch for a 60-game seasonAccording to reports, the MLBPA's executive board could vote as early as Sunday.
Read more »
Prince Harry Supports Rugby Union's Plan to Ban 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' at GamesThe RFU said that the song is 'sung by many who have no awareness of its origins or sensitivities.'
Read more »
MLB players union rejects latest league proposal to start 2020 season delayed by Covid-19The Major League Baseball Players Association has rejected the league's latest plan to start operations suspend by Covid-19, the union confirmed in a statement.
Read more »
AP source: Players' board rejects 60-game season by 33-5The ruling body of the Major League Baseball players union has rejected a proposed 60-game season. Commissioner Rob Manfred is now expected to unilaterally order the season's start amid the pandemic - and provoke what figures to be a long court fight.
Read more »