The Braves’ opening road trip likely will be altered because of the coronavirus outbreak that’s shifted the sports landscape. The California Department of Public Health recommended gatherings in the state be limited to less than 250 people.
While the Braves are scheduled to open March 26 in Arizona, their ensuing series is at San Diego on March 30 through April 1.
Home openers for the Padres, A’s and Dodgers are in question, while the Mariners could open their season in Arizona after Washington banned events of more than 250 people in three counties, including King County where the Mariners are based.
» More AJC coverage of the coronavirus outbreak
If the season begins without delay, the Braves could face the Padres at their spring training facility in suburban Phoenix, or play at a fan-free PETCO Park. Neither MLB nor its teams have made any decisions, those are just two possibilities.
The coronavirus outbreak struck American professional sports Wednesday night when Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. His teammate, Donavan Mitchell, reportedly tested positive as well. The NBA suspended play after the conclusion of Wednesday’s earlier evening games. MLS also suspended its season Thursday.
Meanwhile, conference basketball tournaments across the country have been canceled ahead of the NCAA Tournaments, which, as of now, are scheduled to be played with no fans. The NHL advised its clubs not to conduct morning practices or team meetings, and canceled media availability Thursday.
MLB has continued with its spring training schedule for now, though it hopes to formulate a plan in the coming days, according to a report from ESPN's Jeff Passan.
