We’ve finally got some good Phillies news
The best kind of Phillies news we could possibly bring… they’re back.
First reported by ESPN’s Karl Ravech, the owners and players have agreed to the health protocols that will bring players back for a 60-game schedule.
Multiple league insiders confirmed Ravech’s report and players will begin reporting for spring training 2.0 on July 1.
Philly. We’re finally coming home!😍 @Phillies pic.twitter.com/NEzPEfiN3O
— Bryce Harper (@bryceharper3) June 24, 2020
The MLBPA also confirmed the reports, tweeting that a deal has been met.
All remaining issues have been resolved and Players are reporting to training camps.
— MLBPA Communications (@MLBPA_News) June 24, 2020
Bob Nightengale of USA Today adds that as part of the health agreement that sealed baseball’s return, players can get paid time off if they live with a pregnant spouse to avoid potentially transmitting the virus.
There will also be a special COVID-19 “injured list” with no required time to return to play, unlike the Injured List.
Teams can invite up to 60 players to spring training 2.0, which for the Phillies will likely be at Citizens Bank Park and Coca-Cola Park in Lehigh Valley. They can have all 60 in Philadelphia or send up to 20 to an alternate site, which is likely Lehigh Valley.
Pitchers will report first, similar to earlier this year, followed by players for workouts and testing.
Rosters will begin with 30 players to start the season but will be widdled down as players become used to playing every day.
Some of the new 'deadlines' are:
— Marly Rivera (@MarlyRiveraESPN) June 23, 2020
-Trade deadline, Aug. 31
-"Transaction Freeze” will be over at 12:00 pm ET on the 5th day prior to the first day of Spring Training
-Active Roster limit has to be reduced from 30 to 28 on the 15th day of the season / from 28 to 26 on the 29th day
Jayson Stark of The Athletic reports that teams will have to choose their 60 players by Sunday at 3 p.m. Teams will also be allowed to bring up to three extra players on the road, but one of those players must be a catcher if teams opt to bring three players.
There could also be a “free agent team” or two based out of Nashville for unsigned players to stay and workout.
Here's a wrinkle I hadn't heard before:
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) June 23, 2020
MLB has been talking with Nashville about having 2 teams there of unsigned players, sources say.
They would serve as an emergency pool and would make $400/week.
MLB teams would have to pay a fee to Nashville to sign one of those players.
Jon Heyman adds that teams will play 40 of their 60 games in their division with the other 20 against American League East teams: Yankees, Orioles, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Rays.
The Phillies will also get to use a DH in 2020 full-time. It’s possible that gets extended but it’ll be at a later date. Another way baseball will play around with the rules is to put a runner on second in extra-innings to speed games up.
Now, there’s only one thing left to do.
Play Ball!