Philadelphia Phillies’ Didi Gregorius will wear a mask
Unlike most North American sports leagues trying to conclude their campaigns, Major League Baseball has yet to start the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The season was slated to start at the end of March, but teams were forced to suspend spring training once cases started to rise in North America. However, the league has decided to go ahead with a 60-game regular season and teams have already begun to prepare for opening day on July 23rd or 24th.
With opening day rapidly approaching, players have started to discuss their personal situations and how comfortable they are returning to play the season. Some players have already opted out, deciding the risk is not worth the reward. One player who has decided to join his team and play the 2020 season is Philadelphia Phillies’ Didi Gregorius, despite having a kidney issue.
Gregorius spoke on Wednesday saying that he did intend on playing but will take precautionary measures such as wearing a mask.
“We are trying to go through the guidelines and trying to do everything we can do to stay safe,” Gregorius said, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer via ESPN. “So, that’s why people see me walking around with a mask on and stuff. I am keeping myself safe, wearing a mask everywhere I go. So, I have to keep it on me all the time.”
Gregorius has quite a lot to play for this season as he will be an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the campaign and will be looking for a big contract. He just recently joined the Phillies’ organization, signing a one-year $14m deal during the offseason.
Gregorius could have stayed home and received his entire prorated salary but feels comfortable wearing a mask.
“I think it adds safety for everybody, for me and people around me,” Gregorius said. “So I think wearing it will be normal for me.”
Philadelphia ended last season with a disappointing record of 81-81, finishing fourth in the National League East. They have higher hopes for this season, especially with a condensed 60-game regular season. The Phillies last won the World Series in 2008 and have not won their division since 2011 which is also the last time the team has reached the postseason.
Gregorius turned 30 in February and has been playing in the MLB since he made his debut in September 2012 for the Cincinnati Reds. He has since played for the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Yankees where he has grown into an elite shortstop.
He only managed to feature in 82 games last year for the Yankees but was still able to hit an impressive 16 home runs. However, it still saw the end of his three-season streak of hitting 20 or more home runs. His career high for RBIs is 87, which he hit in 2017 for the Yankees.
The Phillies will play their first game of the new season on July 24th at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia against the Florida Marlins. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
