Major League Baseball announced it is ending spring training games effective 4 p.m. March 12 and delaying the start of the regular season by at least two weeks due to COVID-19.
The Orioles were scheduled to open the season against the New York Yankees March 26.
The Orioles began March 12 preparing to play a 6:05 p.m. spring training game against the Minnesota Twins in Fort Myers, Fla., but the team returned to the Ed Smith Stadium complex to await official word about if the game was still on. MLB reportedly had a conference call with club owners March 12 about the path forward for the league.
Players are reportedly encouraged to stay at their spring facilities with access to medical personnel, but that won’t be required; players can leave spring training if they want.
Update: The Orioles released the following statement:
Minor League Baseball is also delaying its season:
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