The situation began with a COVID-19 outbreak that occured within the Miami Marlins organization, which took place in Philadelphia while they were playing the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park in the opening series of the 2020 season. 17 members of the Marlins organization have now tested positive, including one positive case that was announced Thursday, resulting in both the Marlins and Phillies having their respective seasons paused.
The Marlins played the Phillies on Sunday, and both teams were aware that four Marlins players tested positive before the game. Marlins manager Don Mattingly said his team “never really considered not playing.”
NBCSportsPhiladelphia's Jim Salisbury was on with Angelo Cataldi and the Morning Team when news broke about the Marlins outbreak on Monday morning. He was asked if the Marlins can continue their season this year:
"I don't know," said Salisbury, "They have these 60-man player pools but they just lost, what, eight big leaguers?"
"They were in the Phillies home ballpark. Guys were taking leads off of first base, Rhys Hoskins was holding them on. Bryce Harper, who has not been a mask-wearer, donned a mask while leading off first base yesterday. The Phillies received a group text message in the morning to the effect that we are hearing things on the other side, there might be some problems over there so please take your precautions. I don't know what is going to happen. This is going to be a very watershed day in this whole COVID/baseball experience."