MLB spring training is still scheduled to start on time, at least for now. According to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, the lockout hasn’t yet forced the league to change the dates of baseball’s return in 2022.

Pitchers and catchers are set to report to spring training next week on either Feb. 15 or 16. Spring training games are scheduled to start Feb. 26. MLB owners and the MLB Players Association will meet Saturday as they work toward a new collective-bargaining agreement.

Unless a deal is struck Saturday, which appears to be unlikely, spring training is expected to be delayed.

"The status of spring training is no change right now," Manfred told reporters Thursday at the MLB owners meetings. "We’re going to have a conversation with the MLBPA about the calendar because we understand where the calendar is, but until we have that conversation and until we see how this session on Saturday goes, it’s no change."

Manfred said he believes a deal will be reached in time for MLB to complete its usual 162-game schedule. The commissioner admitted that missing regular-season games because of a lockout would be a “disastrous outcome” for the league.

More than 600 MLB players are unsigned free agents. Carlos Correa, Freddie Freeman and Trevor Story are among the top players who are not under contract with a team.

MLB Opening Day 2022 is scheduled for March 31.

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred says locking out players was the best strategy to protect the chances of playing a 2022 MLB season
Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred says locking out players was the best strategy to protect the chances of playing a 2022 MLB season. GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA via AFP / Bob Levey
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