The Marlins coronavirus outbreak is just the latest thing to jeopardize the 2020 MLB season, but as of now, the show is going on. Perhaps that’s because out of all the tests taken since last Friday, no other team has come back with a positive result.
One key fact in here: No positive tests since last Friday among any of other 29 clubs. Just Marlins. https://t.co/ugq3q2sgQ2
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 28, 2020
Yesterday on 93.7 The Fan’s in Pittsburgh, Bob Nightengale of USA Today sports suggested that the Marlins breakout began when members of the team decided to go out in Atlanta to have a good time.
That has yet to be confirmed, but it surely wouldn’t be surprising. However, regardless of how this outbreak originated, it’s been a major wake up call for the entire league, and reminds us, that the most disciplined organization might just be the one best-suited to win the World Series.
First off, as challenging as it may be, players have to avoid going out and putting themselves in situations where they may contract the virus. Nobody should be going to bars, restaurants, or really outside at all for that matter. It sounds miserable, and it is. But if a championship ring is that important, it’s more than worth it.
Secondly, the precautions that the league has put in place, like masks in the dugout, no high-fiving, no spitting, etc. — those all need to be taken seriously. The Marlins outbreak may have started with a couple of knuckleheads deciding to go to the bars after a game, but it spread by the entire team taking the situation lightly in the clubhouse. The rules might sound ridiculous, but it may keep an organization from having to forfeit the whole season.
Aside from all of that, this also has the potential to greatly affect the Braves, who play Miami ten times this year, with their first matchup scheduled for August 14th. Right now, all of the Marlins games are postponed through Sunday, but that could extend even further if more positive tests are discovered. It’s possible that several of their games are canceled outright, and they could even be forced to forfeit.
That last part might sound crazy, but I’m sure it’s something that has been discussed, especially if it’s proven that the Marlins brought this on themselves by going out while they were out of town. Even if they don’t have to forfeit, it will be very difficult for them to win games with so many players missing.
The Braves have already defeated the Marlins in 29 of their last 38 matchups, and they might get to play them ten times this year without most of their starters. That should play a significant factor in making the postseason, and their seeding, which is a lot more critical with an expanded 16-team playoff.
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