MLB's rocky return talks may have hit another roadblock.
Several players and staff have tested positive for coronavirus in recent weeks, according to news reports.
An MLB letter obtained by the Associated Press reportedly revealed new cases of Covid-19, while a separate report in the New York Post on Friday said a pitching coach and a player on a 40-man roster had recently tested positive.
The names were apparently not revealed over privacy concerns, the Post article said. Earlier on Monday, Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott took to social media to raise privacy concerns after it was reported he had recently tested positive.
The reports of new coronavirus cases comes only hours after MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred ominously walked back his guarantee from last week that a season of some length would be played. The apparent change of heart comes after several more days of heated negotiations and sniping in the media.
To many, it appeared the owners were laying the groundwork to call off the 2020 season for good. Many players have suggested they're eager to play, although others like superstar Mike Trout have expressed concerns over the virus and the prospect of being sequestered in one city for several months.
