Outside The Confines: MLB is already messing everything up

When MLB officials announced the 2020 season would be going ahead, they were adamant that all safety precautions would be taken. Social distancing would be in effect, equipment would be regularly cleaned, no spitting, no finger licking, and most importantly regular COVID testing for all staff and players.

After the first few days of Summer Camp, over 30 players and staff had tested positive, accounting for about 1.2% of present people.

This seemed like a reasonable amount for most experts, but the problem is, it isn’t exactly an accurate number. Sean Doolittle shared that as he headed for his second test of camp, he still hadn’t received the results of his first test.

Which is a problem.

As more and more major players opt out, and big name stars like Freddie Freeman fall ill to the disease, the big question becomes: at what point would MLB shut everything down?

• Jayson Stark asks that question, and what would happen if a full team fell sick. Where would MLB say enough is enough? (The Athletic subscription required.)
• Brittany Ghiroli dives deeper into the story of the delayed testing and all the ways MLB is falling short of their safety promises. (The Athletic subscription required.)
• Another league has called it quits for the year as the Mexican League cancels their 2020 season, writes Kevin Reichard.
• It’s the first time in 25 years the Lugnuts haven’t played a summer in Lansing, and Graham Couch and Brian Calloway share how it’s impacting players, staff, and fans.
• On a similar note Bill Koch has the story of the PawSox saying goodbye to their 2020 season.
• David Price is one of the biggest names to opt out this season and Howard Cole has some initial responses to the decision.
• Some players are more focused on the season ahead, as Reds reliever Michael Lorenzen says he’s ready and willing to pitch all 60 games, writes Mark Sheldon.
• As the Washington Redskins and other teams are ready to seriously consider changing their names to non-racist alternatives, the Cleveland Indians seem ready to discuss a change. Story by Ken Rosenthal and Zack Meisel. (The Athletic subscription required.)
• On that note, this Cleveland Spiders cap is pretty dope.

• What is the best beer in baseball cities? Eno Sarris gets his drink on to find out. (The Athletic subscription required.)
• A must-read thread of tweets from Eireann Dolan (Sean Doolittle’s wife) on how players’ home lives genuinely impact their decisions on playing the season.
• Mike Trout’s mom has an important message for you.

And tomorrow will be a better day than today, Buster. Make it so.