Texas Rangers: Season delay could extend as late as June per report

Per a new report from Scott Miller at Bleacher Report, the Texas Rangers and the rest of the MLB might see the season delayed until June due to COVID-19.

Earlier this week, Major League Baseball made the decision to suspend Spring Training and delay the start of the 2020 season by at least two weeks. That would put the Texas Rangers, and the rest of the league, making their return to the diamond in early to mid April. However, that timeline seems fairly optimistic. Even in the most accelerated timeline, players would need time to ramp back in a form of a mini-Spring Training. Beyond that need though, a new report from Scott Miller at Bleacher Report notes industry sources that say the delay could extend well beyond the initial two week decision by MLB.

Miller cites a par of industry sources who note Memorial Day as a potential option to start the season. Others contradict those sources with thoughts the season might not begin until June. Almost assured would be the need for a shortened regular season schedule if that timeline extends into May and beyond. This report comes just two days after President Donald Trump declared a national state of emergency in regards to the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Around the sports world, the impact of COVID-19 has been wide-reaching. The NBA, NHL and MLS have all suspended their seasons with the MLS initially delaying their league for 30 days. The NBA is expecting their delay to last at least 30 days as well.

Major League Baseball is allowing players and teams to decide whether to continue workouts at their Spring Training facility, return to the organization’s home city, or individuals can return to their hometowns. Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reported on Saturday that the Texas Rangers are planning on making the decision afforded to them as a team. This decision could include the players staying in Arizona for workouts until camp was scheduled to break and then returning to Arlington as a group.