Late yesterday, MLB announced that the AAA season, which had been scheduled to start April 6, has been pushed back to “early May.”
Instead, AAA facilities will reportedly function as Alternate Sites, however, this report seems to indicate that Fredericksburg may be used again.
Safety was cited by MLB for the move, citing the use by AAA teams of commercial airlines to travel rather than private flights as MLB does. Officials said the delay should also increase the chances of players being vaccinated.
There is no word yet on whether this delay will be extended to AA and below, nor has there been any statement regarding the games in states that have defied CDC guidelines on lifting restrictions.
MLB’s season is still scheduled to begin on April 1st.