There Will Be a Major League Baseball Season

Major League Baseball officially announced a plan to return to play that features players reporting for training by July 1st, with a 60-game regular season anticipated to begin on July 23rd.

“Major League Baseball is on the horizon," Commissioner Robert Manfred said.

MLB submitted a schedule to the Players Association that is designed to mitigate travel. Each team schedule will largely feature divisional play, with the remaining contests coming against Interleague opponents in the corresponding regional division (American League East vs. National League East, AL Central vs. NL Central and AL West vs. NL West).

For the first time ever, the designated hitter will be featured in the National League as part of the health and safety protocols being put in place for the 2020 season.

As for the three-week training programs, the majority of clubs are expected to conduct the workouts at their home ballparks. MLB is working with a variety of public health experts, infectious disease specialists and technology providers on a comprehensive approach that aims to facilitate a safe return.

“Major League Baseball is thrilled to announce that the 2020 season is on the horizon," Commissioner Robert Manfred said. "We have provided the Players Association with a schedule to play 60 games and are excited to provide our great fans with Baseball again soon."

KPGZ Sports - Jim Dickerson contributed to this report