DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - The Rangers season-opening series in Seattle will be moved out of the state of Washington due to the co, the club announced Wednesday afternoon.
According to multiple reports, the Mariners and MLB are still working on where the series will be held, but a likely destination is Peoria, Arizona, where the Mariners play their spring training games. The series is still slated to be played from March. 26-28.
The decision comes after the Governor of Washington, Jay Inslee, announced a ban on large group events through the end of March because of the coronavirus.
Love says limiting large crowds can slow the spread of coronavirus, and that would take pressure off doctors, nurses and hospitals who have to treat patients. He says moving the games out of a large stadium could help slow that spread.
"I'm sure the appropriate officials are looking at that, but I think it's something we should give serious consideration to," Love says. "We know this is extremely contagious."
"I'm a big autograph guy. I love doing autographs before and after games, but I'm kind of minimizing that a little bit," said Rangers third baseman Todd Frazier.
Frazier says players are washing their hands more frequently and keeping the clubhouse clean.
"Our focus is on getting the job done, but at the same time, there's stuff in the back of your mind, now," he says.
Rangers president Jon Daniels says Globe Life Field is ready and could host the series if needed. The Rangers are scheduled to host spring training games at the new ballpark on March 23 and 24. Their regular-season home opener is March 31 versus the Angels.