The Toronto Blue Jays are taking a look at alternative options after the state of Pennsylvania on Wednesday denied a request to play the majority of their 2020 house games at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
” In current weeks, we have actually seen a considerable boost in the number of COVID-19 cases in southwestern Pennsylvania,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine stated. “To include tourists to this region for any factor, consisting of for professional sports occasions, risks citizens, visitors and members of both groups.
” We understand that this virus does not discriminate, and can even make professional athletes very sick. We are committed to securing the health and well-being of all Pennsylvanians.”
2 RelatedThe decision again leaves the Blue Jays trying to find a house. One option includes going to the city of each set up challenger and playing as the house group, sources told ESPNs Buster Olney.
Canadas federal government rejected heaven Jays demand to dip into Rogers Centre in Toronto because the regular-season schedule would need regular travel from the United States, where COVID-19 cases are surging. The other 29 major league groups plan to play the pandemic-shortened, 60-game season in their house ballparks, without fans.
Toronto starts the season at Tampa Bay on Friday.
Blue Jays supervisor Charlie Montoyo had said he was excited about the PNC Park alternative, and Pirates supervisor Derek Shelton said he would have no problem with heaven Jays moving in. Previous Blue Jays executive Ben Cherington is the Pirates basic manager.
” I am very happy of our personnels effort, together with the assistance of Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, to really rapidly present Major League Baseball and the Toronto Blue Jays with an alternative to host their house games here at PNC Park during the 2020 season,” Pirates president Travis Williams said in a declaration. We are confident that the fantastic individuals within the Blue Jays company, working with Major League Baseball, will protect another choice very quickly.”
Baltimore also is under factor to consider as a possible host site, outfielder Randal Grichuk said Tuesday, as had the teams Triple-A affiliate in Buffalo, New York. Grichuk, however, stated the players wished to play in a big league stadium.
The team had been thinking about playing house video games at its spring training center in Dunedin, Florida, but Florida is among the states that are hot spots for the coronavirus.
The Associated Press added to this report.
” I am extremely proud of our staffs effort, together with the support of Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, to extremely quickly present Major League Baseball and the Toronto Blue Jays with a choice to host their home games here at PNC Park during the 2020 season,” Pirates president Travis Williams stated in a declaration. “This is an unmatched situation and, for that reason, we support and understand Governor Tom Wolfs decision. We are positive that the great individuals within the Blue Jays company, working with Major League Baseball, will secure another alternative extremely soon.”
