NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball has proposed a one-month delay in starting spring training due to the novel coronavirus pandemic and pushing back opening day to April 28. That’s according to two people familiar with the plan who tell The Associated Press the regular season would be cut from 162 games to 154.
The playoffs would be expanded from 10 teams to 14 and the designated hitter would extend to the National League for the second straight season. In addition, MLB would keep the experimental rules for seven-inning doubleheaders and beginning extra innings with a runner on second base.
Elsewhere in the majors:
— The Twins have finalized a one-year, $10.5 million contract with shortstop Andrelton Simmons, enhancing their infield defense as they seek a third straight AL Central division title. The four-time Gold Glove award winner will allow Jorge Polanco to move to second base and form a strong tandem on the left side with third baseman Josh Donaldson.
