KEY POINTS

  • The MLB will implement a seven-inning format for back-to-back games 
  • There have been rising COVID-19 positive cases recorded from the Miami Marlins
  • Players, coaches, fans have reacted to the unique format change of the season 

The MLB season has kicked off but has been met with some challenges within its setup. With the increasing positive cases of COVID-19 among the Miami Marlins and other looming concerns, the league has now announced a unique seven-inning format regarding back-to-back games.

This change comes at a time where the season has to have certain adjustments due to the ever-evolving situation in the league. With the postponement of several MLB games due to the threat of positive cases coupled with the 66-day window to complete the regular season, the schedule has reached a tighter stretch. In effect, several teams will need to schedule doubleheaders to make up lost games per USA Today.

Certain coaches had their input about this new predicament given the nature of the circumstance.

"It does help out with possible pitching issues and with health," Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said.

It has been an unprecedented and unique situation that will take a lot of adjusting for everyone involved.

"But I don’t know…This year, we’re just going to make adjustments, be flexible, do what the league tells us to do. I’m good either way,” Hyde shared.

In addition to this, Toronto Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo chipped in about this new change.

“I’m all for that,” Montoyo said to USA TODAY Sports.

For some players such as New York Yankees reliever Adam Ottavino, it’s an unconventional situation for them given the abrupt change.

"I like nine and nine, personally. Just think I don’t want to be marginalized out of the game," Ottavino shared.

"Once we go seven and seven, it’s a slippery slope," Ottavino continued.

The rest of the baseball community also took to social media to express the confusion of the proposed new format. Followers of the sport were perplexed on what will happen once the seven-inning arrangement is implemented.

It will be interesting to see how the league addresses the complexity of the global pandemic and if MLB can secure the safety of everyone moving forward.

The New York Yankees and the Washington Nationals kneel in a moment of silence for Black Lives Matter at Major League Baseball's season-opening game
The New York Yankees and the Washington Nationals kneel in a moment of silence for Black Lives Matter at Major League Baseball's season-opening game GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Rob Carr
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