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MESA, Arizona — I did head to Sloan Park this morning. Not much activity there, maybe a couple dozen people milling around, and about 10:20 a.m. Arizona time it was announced the Cubs game vs. the Dodgers had been cancelled — due to rain.
It’s not raining at the moment in the Phoenix area, though storms are forecast for this afternoon. As of this writing, four other Cactus League games have been cancelled (Padres/Indians, Rockies/Brewers, Brewers/Diamondbacks and Reds/Mariners), and two others (Mariners/Royals and Athletics/Dodgers) are still scheduled. I suspect the latter two will be cancelled, as Major League Baseball is expected to suspend spring training games as of Friday:
After a conference call among owners this afternoon, Major League Baseball is expected to suspend spring training. The league likely will delay the beginning of the regular season as well. At this point, it's a formality that ownership-level sources expect to happen.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 12, 2020
The weather in the Phoenix area gives MLB an excuse to start this suspension a day early, at least for the Cactus League.
The expectation now is that the start of the regular season will be delayed as well. MLB will be making a statement today on this.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) March 12, 2020
In an hour there is a conference call with Rob Manfred and the 30 owners. MLB will make an official announcement afterward.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) March 12, 2020
When this official announcement comes from MLB, which presumably will have more details on the regular season and when it might begin, I’ll post another article, but I wanted you to have details on today’s cancellations and the upcoming announcement now.
Awaiting developments, of course.