On Tuesday, Major League Baseball and its Players Association agreed to terms on a postseason structure that will include playing games at neutral site locations. These neutral sites will provide players and game personnel a protected environment to play the 2020 baseball playoffs with limited travel and contact to potential coronavirus risks.
American League
According to various reports, MLB plans to have the first round of American League Division Series games played in southern California between San Diego’s PETCO Park and Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium. Those teams that advance to the American League Championship would play the entire series at PETCO Park. Both cities provide good seasonable weather for October with a limited chance of rain and postponements.
National League
The National League Division Series will be played in Texas between Houston’s Minute Maid Park and Arlington’s new Globe Life Field. The National League Championship Series will be played at Globe Life Field before the American League champions arrive to play the entire World Series in Arlington. Both Texas ballparks are indoors and protected from potential inclement weather that could delay games.
Reaction
This unprecedented response to the current conditions follows similar “bubble” playoff structures that were implemented by the National Basketball Association and National Hockey League for their delayed 2020 postseasons this summer. Both leagues have experienced a good response to their controlled playoff system and have seen games played without any major issues to date.
In addition to players, coaches, and team staff living and playing in these controlled environments, player families are also believed to be allowed to live with their loved ones inside the bubble if they agree to participate in the daily testing and protocols required of MLB personnel.
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