[ad_1]
The MLB and the MLB Players Association reached an agreement Monday night on health and safety protocols that will cover spring 2021 training and the regular season which, among other things, does not include a designated universal hitter.
Spring training is scheduled to begin on February 17 and the teams have reached agreement on a document with many similarities to last year’s approach in the 60-game season, including the use of doubles in seven. innings and the start of additional heats with a runner in second. Both were designed to shorten the time spent at the rough stage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the universal designate hitter who was deployed last season will not be employed in 2021 unless the parties reach a separate, last-second deal. The union saw the slice of a full-time DH as a health and safety issue to protect pitchers – none of whom struck last year and who will all try to strengthen their arms after a shortened season ( and no minor league campaign).
MLB views the designated hitter as a financial problem because they believe he offers monetary benefits to the players. Therefore, the league wanted to trade the inclusion of a universal DH for something that MLB wanted, such as an extended playoffs. The union has not favored the extension of the playoffs for a variety of reasons, including fears it could deter teams who think it’s easier to make the playoffs from spending more on players.
The teams could still negotiate more on these issues, but for now there is no DH in the National League and a 10-team playoff.
When it comes to health and safety protocols, the MLB and the Players’ Association have attempted to marry the elements that they believe have been working since last season with best practices developed by other leagues. For example, staff will be equipped with tracing technology deployed in the NBA that makes it easier to identify close contacts when someone is diagnosed with COVID-19.
[ad_2]
Source link