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Coronavirus In Sports: MLB Cancels Spring Training Games, Delays Start Of Regular Season Due To Coronavirus Pandemic

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The Philadelphia Phillies’ season has been put on pause before it even started. MLB on Thursday announced it’s canceling the rest of spring training and delaying the start of the regular season by at least two weeks.

The World Baseball Classic qualifier games have also been postponed indefinitely due to the global coronavirus pandemic. The cancellation goes into effect at 4 p.m. Thursday.

“MLB and the Clubs have been preparing a variety of contingency plans regarding the 2020 regular season schedule,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said. “MLB will announce the effects on the schedule at an appropriate time and will remain flexible as events warrant, with the hopes of resuming normal operations as soon as possible.