US: MLB suspends spring training, delays Opening Day

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - Major League Baseball (MLB) announced Thursday it is suspending the remainder of spring training and delaying Opening Day by at least two weeks.

It is the latest major U.S. sports league to postpone its season because of the spread of the new coronavirus.

Commissioner Rob Manfred made the announcement following a telephone call with all 30 teams and the MLB players associations, the league said in a statement.

It was prompted by "the national emergency created by the coronavirus pandemic," the league said.

"This action is being taken in the interests of the safety and well-being of our players, Clubs and our millions of loyal fans," it said.

The 2020 World Baseball Classic Qualifier games that were to be played in Tuscon, Arizona have been "postponed indefinitely."