After several days of negotiations this week, owners and players closed the gap on some key issues, but were unable to reach agreement on a deal by MLB’s self-imposed deadline to play a full 162-game schedule. On Wednesday, Commissioner Rob Manfred announced the cancellation of the second week of schedule games, pushing back Opening Day to April 14. The Royals would be scheduled to begin the season at home on Thursday, April 14 against the Detroit Tigers.
Commissioner Rob Manfred issued a statement expressing regret for the cancellation.
In a last-ditch effort to preserve a 162-game season, this week we have made good-faith proposals that address the specific concerns voiced by the MLBPA and would have allowed the players to return to the field immediately.