Report: MLB planning frequent testing, exploring exemptions for at-risk players

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Major League Baseball will deliver a proposal outlining safety procedures for an abbreviated 82-game season that would commence in July to the MLB Players Association by the end of the week, according to Jared Diamond and Louise Radnofsky of The Wall Street Journal.

Under the proposal, MLB players and employees would reportedly be subject to frequent testing, though the exact rate has not yet been determined. It's expected that testing won't occur every day but will take place more often than once a week, Diamond and Radnofsky note.

While nothing has been finalized, the league is also examining ways to exempt players and personnel who are part of at-risk groups from participating in the season.

The testing process is reportedly intended to yield results within 24 hours with instant tests less readily available. The league apparently expects to have access to a limited amount of instant tests, which will be used only for individuals who develop coronavirus symptoms or for those who have come into contact with someone who has tested positive.

Under the reported plan, MLB would not shut down if someone were to contract COVID-19. Infected individuals would instead be removed from the population, and those with whom they were in close contact would then be monitored more closely.

Players will also be expected to submit temperature checks and report any symptoms should they arise.

Further precautions are reportedly expected to be implemented to maximize player safety during games. High fives and spitting could be banned, and relievers may be asked to sit in empty stands until called upon to enter a game. Locker rooms are also expected to be organized to allow for physical distancing.