The A’s and Los Angeles Angels will play Monday afternoon as scheduled. A total of four other teams will not after a number of Florida Marlins tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
There are 11 of the 33 players traveling with the club and two coaches infected, according to ESPN. The team is quarantining in Philadelphia after wrapping a series with the Phillies.
As a result, the Marlins’ Monday home opener against the Baltimore Orioles has been postponed, though that game could be played in Baltimore at a future date. The Phillies were scheduled to play the New York Yankees on Monday, but that game has also been postponed.
With our All Access Daily newsletter, stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams!
SIGN UP HERE [BALK TALK: Listen to the latest episode]
News of an outbreak rocked the MLB world Monday morning and certainly resonated through the A’s roster and staff.
“We know this possibility could happen to any team,” A’s starter Daniel Mengden said on a Monday morning video conference. “We’re taking all available safety precautions that MLB implemented. We’re following the rules and doing everything we’re supposed to. I think it’s more of a team-by-team basis. I know that, with what we’re doing here, we’re trying to be as safe as we can to get everything done, with all the practice and everything we need to do before and after games. We’re staying safe, following protocols and doing everything we can to keep everything as tight-knit as possible.”
While some raised the possibility that MLB would take drastic action over the Marlins’ series of positive coronavirus tests, national reports suggest canceling or postponing the season was not immediately on the table.
Athletics
Find the latest Athletics news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
Abandoning the 2020 campaign is a concern, one the A’s don’t want. They want to make sure everyone stays safe first and foremost, but they also want to continue a season where they’re serious contenders to win it all. Mengden said that he trusts MLB will do what’s right.
“There’s always that concern [that the season may get shut down],” Mengden said. “Again, that’s not my decision. I’m here to play baseball. If they deem that we need to shut down, then I completely agree. If we continue on with the protocols to help us move forward, I’m all for moving forward. We have to look at the safety of our players, those who are high risk and our staff. It’s definitely a concern, but MLB is on top of it and is looking into everything they can to help keep players, staff and everyone safe. As long as we continue to do that, I don’t see any issue with playing.”
[RELATED: Olson might wear mask at first after Marlins' outbreak]
The A’s want to keep playing and are working hard to follow protocols required to keep doing so.
“All you can control is what you’re doing and what we’re doing in this clubhouse in terms of staying safe and keeping our fingers crossed,” A’s outfielder Robbie Grossman said. “It’s an exciting time. We’re keeping our fingers crossed, because our team is as good as any. We feel like we have as good a chance as anyone [to win the World Series].”
The A’s, in particular, are focused on following health and safety protocols. Their clubhouse leadership is adamant about adhering to them, especially with high-risk relief pitcher Jake Diekman in the clubhouse and other high-risk individuals on staff.
“We’re following the protocols MLB provided and we’re trying to be as safe as we can,” Mengden said. “We’re trying to stay clean and as cooperative as we can through this process. We know what we signed up for. I’m not too sure. We don’t have the power to say whatever happens. There’s a lot going on with the Marlins and that will be handled accordingly. I hope everybody stays safe, and I hope everyone on the Marlins -- I wish them well and for everyone [impacted] to have a speedy recovery.”