CINCINNATI, OH – JULY 22: Raisel Iglesias #26 and Pedro Strop #46 of the Cincinnati Reds talk among a gathering of pitchers in the stands in the second inning of an exhibition game against the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park on July 22, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
The Marlins outbreak has sent widespread fears of COVID-19 across Major League Baseball, and the Reds are a part of that.
Yesterday, the Cincinnati Reds had Mike Moustakas and Nick Senzel sidelined in their 3-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers. While not much is known of the reason why, it was believed that the players were simply feeling unwell, without any specific indications of COVID-19.
Following recent developments in Miami and the positive test for Matt Davidson of the Reds shortly after playing on opening day, COVID-19 worries have cropped up for Cincinnati as well.
Without sounding too pessimistic, signs point toward more positives for the Reds in the coming hours. As they await testing results, at the very least, tonight’s game with the Cubs should be canceled to avoid the virus’ spread potentially getting any worse.
How should the MLB respond to growing coronavirus worries?
There is a difference between facing individual cases and an entire outbreak. The Marlins have a dangerous situation that must be quickly addressed, putting the team out of action for at least the next two weeks.
The MLB must have been prepared to play amid the pandemic though. A single incident like Matt Davison is not enough to put a hold on the team’s schedule or the season, that simply is the reality the league must face.
However, if today’s testing results do begin to show multiple positives, then the league needs to begin seriously considering pulling the plug on the 2020 season. Reports indicate they are already thinking about doing so.
A lot lies in the balance fo the MLB, but their best option is to put today’s Reds-Cubs game on hold and wait to see what happens next.