Swing And A Miss

The MLB Players Association’s executive committee voted 33-5 against the league’s latest 60-game proposal. In a statement, MLB said that “needless to say, we are disappointed by this development.”

The teams subsequently unanimously voted to proceed with the 2020 season, and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is now asking players if they could report to camp within seven days and to sign off on health and safety protocols. MLB would then begin the process of producing a schedule, which is expected to be 60 games and could start as soon as July 29.

With the collapse of negotiations between the two sides yet again, plans around expanding the playoffs to 16 teams as well as implementing a universal designated hitter are now off. However, there now looms a potential grievance from the players that could cost owners as much as $1 billion if ruled against them.

Other League News: 

— The NFL issued a memo mandating teams separate their organizations in three tiers and develop an “Infectious Disease Emergency Response” plan at least seven days before the first mandatory reporting date. The memo also helps outline safety protocols and education requirements heading into the season, which comes as 26 teams are slated to start training camp July 26.

— The Orlando Pride pulled out of the NWSL Challenge Cup as six players and four staff members tested positive for the coronavirus. The tournament is slated to start Saturday in Utah.