Mets Morning News: Baseball goes dark

One day after the NBA suspended its season, Major League Baseball joined other professional leagues and announced a delay to the start of the season due to concerns over the coronavirus.

The Mets had to take extra precautions since Jazz star Donovan Mitchell tested positive for the virus, and his dad recently saw him play before returning to his job with the Mets.

The spring training facility is now completely closed to fans, and fans must contact the box office for refunds from games that will no longer be played.

This is obviously still a developing and fluid situation, but MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo tried to answer the concerns on fans minds right now.

Pete Alonso gave a thoughtful and earnest response to baseball’s suspension of games.

After working hard to improve his defense, the Mets hired Alonso’s winter instructor in a hope that his defense will continue to improve.

Around the National League East

The Braves played one of the last spring training games before the cancellation went into effect, and they finished with a win over the Tigers.

The Marlins also played but they ended with a loss to the Cardinals.

It seemed unnecessary that teams were still continuing to play, and the Phillies might have paid the price when Jake Arrieta left their game with shoulder stiffness.

The Nationals dropped their final game of spring to the Yankees.

Around Major League Baseball

The stoppage of baseball was a sudden move after everything had appeared normal in the baseball world up to that point.

It was the right decision to make, but it took far too long for someone to make it.

This is an unprecedented situation, and there is no telling what baseball will look like when it returns.

Minor League Baseball followed MLB’s lead and also delayed the opening of their season. The difference for them is that players will not be getting paid until games resume.

Orioles outfielder Trey Mancini underwent surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his colon after it was discovered last week.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Maggie Wiggin looked at the Mets’ options if Conforto isn’t ready for when baseball returns.

Allison McCague believes Seth Lugo is an important piece to the Mets’ bullpen.

This Date in Mets History

Happy birthday, Johan Santana!