As MLB 60-game Season Draws Near, Careful Optimism Prevails

With the start of Major League Baseball’s shortened season a week away, games in empty stadiums and strange extra-inning rules are on the verge of becoming reality. Now that the players have gotten used to COVID-19 tests, social distancing and wearing masks in the clubhouse, it’s just about time to see if 30 teams can handle a 60-game schedule amid a pandemic. The season begins next Thursday night with the defending World Series champion Washington Nationals hosting the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers welcoming the rival San Francisco Giants. Brewers infielder Eric Sogard says, “We're all excited to get going and get back out there."