(Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
By Anthony Payero
Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association made their joint decision on the health and safety protocols needed for Spring Training and the 2021 regular season, the league announced Tuesday, per MLB.com.
The new protocols will see the return of rules implemented in the abbreviated 60-game 2020 season: seven-inning doubleheader games and starting extra innings with a runner on second.
MLB detailed the plans for the upcoming season in the following statement:
We were able to complete a successful and memorable 2020 season due to the efforts and sacrifices made by our players, club staff and MLB employees to protect one another. The 2021 season will require a redoubling of those efforts as we play a full schedule with increased travel under a non-regionalized format. We have built on last year’s productive collaboration between MLB and the Players Association by developing an enhanced safety plan with the consultation of medical experts, infectious disease specialists, and experts from other leagues. We all know the commitment it will take from each of us to keep everyone safe as we get back to playing baseball, and these enhanced protocols will help us do it together.
The agreement does not bring back the universal designated hitter rule used in 2020 for the National League. It was the first time such a rule has been used in the league's history. The MLBPA recently turned down MLB's first proposal that included: delaying the season by a month, a 154-game season with full salaries for the standard 162 games, a universal DH and an expanded postseason.
The league will operate a full 162-game season this year as originally planned. Spring Training is currently slated to start on Feb. 17, and Opening Day is set for April 1.
The agreement between the two sides features contact-tracing technology — also seen in the NBA — that could lead to more accuracy in finding who has been exposed or tested positive for COVID-19.
A full list of the 2021 MLB protocols can be seen here.