The Houston Astros are dealing with mounting COVID-19 concerns.
Like many MLB teams and like many people across the country, the Houston Astros are facing several concerns relating to COVID-19. With the MLB season set to begin in 12 days for the Astros, there are mounting concerns for Dusty Baker’s team to contend with.
The Astros have already had to cancel two workouts, Alex Bregman missed another because of delays, and the pitching coach and the rest of the MLB pitching staff have yet to report to camp as they await results from testing after a potential exposure, according to Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle.
Twelve days from their season-opener, the Astros:
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 12, 2020
- Have canceled two workouts
- Had Alex Bregman miss another because of delays
- Don't have their major league pitching staff or pitching coach in camp and are awaiting COVID-19 results on all after a "potential exposure"
Dusty Baker said Astros pitching coach Brent Strom was “part of that exposure” that canceled yesterday’s workout. Strom was not in attendance today. Baker said most of the team’s major league pitchers had to be tested again because of it. No major league pitchers were seen today.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 12, 2020
Houston Astros facing many COVID-19 hurdles before the season starts.
The challenges facing the Astros aren’t entirely immune to them either as the Chicago Cubs also had to postpone a workout earlier this week and other organizations across baseball have expressed concerns about the testing policy and procedures.
In short, it’s going to be somewhat of a miracle if the season begins and is completed without some sort of work stoppage due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. It’s nothing anyone wants to really accept because we want sports, but at the same time, it’s hard to breathe when you have your head in the sand and ignore reality.
Astros fans are skeptical about a baseball season, while some fans wouldn’t mind seeing the Astros forfeit some games after their cheating scandal and punishment that was perceived as a slap on the wrist from neutral fans.
I’m afraid we won’t have baseball.
— KennyL (@What06466418) July 12, 2020
— Sally O'Malley 🏆 🏆 (@faithklepper) July 12, 2020
This is why I don't have faith in a season
— Danielle Solzman 🎥🎬🎥✡️ (@DanielleSATM) July 12, 2020
I think everyone is ok with the Astros forfeiting some games if needed
— Matt 🏴☠️ (@toddsinator15) July 12, 2020
No bubble (so to speak) I see almost no scenario that this will work unless there’s a strict “stay at home” implemented before/after games for players, staff and their families. What is MLB thinking? Are they only getting advice from the White House?
— houston media critic (@houstonmedia16) July 12, 2020
I’m not sure why @MLB thinks this has any chance of working out. At best, teams will be missing significant players on any given day. They may get some games in, but it will be far from a true showing of any team’s potential.
— Kelley Edwards (@KelleyEdwards1) July 12, 2020
Time is not on the side of the Houston Astros with the season nearing but hopefully, the concerns they have about COVID-19 testing and this potential outbreak will be cleared up and resolved in time for them to start the season with everyone on the roster ready to play.