Rob Manfred Gives Confident Interview on CNN Detailing Issues With Players and COVID-19 Testing Plans
MLB fans may be alarmed by what appears to be an ongoing battle between owners and players when it comes to playing a shortened 2020 season. The key issues are the pay structure and how players can be ensured they are safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commissioner Rob Manfred appeared on CNN Thursday night and expressed confidence that a season can be played and that differences will be worked out between owners and players.
“All of our players would be tested multiple times a week” for coronavirus, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred says on the efforts to bring baseball back. “That testing would be supplemented less frequently by antibody testing as well.”#CNNTownHallhttps://t.co/zU95g1FwYr pic.twitter.com/J1MKyc5AJ0
— Anderson Cooper 360° (@AC360) May 15, 2020
There are several key points mentioned by Manfred. The initial statement that should have fans feeling optimistic is the fact he believe the two sides will come to an eventual agreement.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred just said on CNN said he has “great confidence” they’ll be able to work out a deal with the players union.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) May 15, 2020
Working out a deal between owners and players is what has to happen first before any testing protocols can be put in place and tested out. On that note, Manfred also shed light on how players would be tested for COVID-19 during the season.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred outlined the league's testing plan in an interview on CNN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 15, 2020
- Testing multiple times a week for players using a facility in Utah that MLB helped convert to a COVID-testing lab. Return time on tests is 24 hours
- Instant testing for symptomatic players
Instant tests for symptomatic players is a great step and one that should help alleviate concerns if a player shows any signs of the illness. Testing everyone several times a week also makes sure players are aware of their status and the league can contain any possible outbreaks.
If a season is not played there will be serious financial ramifications for everyone involved.
Manfred also tells CNN that “if we don’t play a season, the losses for the owners could approach $4 billion.”
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) May 15, 2020
Fans won't end up having too much sympathy for the owners. However, major financial losses could affect certain teams more than others and could change the structure of the league. Manfred's confidence in a season being played is a sign of optimism and hopefully his words end up being true.