MLB Eyes Possible Return For Nationals, Other Teams: Report

WASHINGTON, DC — Fans of the Washington Nationals didn't get to see their World Series-winning team return for a new season on March 26 in light of the coronavirus crisis. That could change.

Major League Baseball and its players are reportedly working on a plan that would see a return to the field as early as May, an idea that would allow America's Pastime to become the first professional sport to return amid the coronavirus crisis. ESPN reported the plan "has the support of high-ranking federal public health officials" and would likely be the most unique season in baseball history.

The plan does not include fans going out to their local ballparks, however. Instead of games at Nationals Park, all 30 teams would play at stadiums scattered across the greater Phoenix area. Players, coaches and team personnel "would live in relative isolation" at hotels.

If everything goes right, MLB could begin play in May or June, ESPN reported. The most important thing would a robust COVID-19 testing process with a quick turnaround that would not adversely affect the public's access to testing.

Instead of fans in the stands, the players would sparsely populate the stands instead of sitting in the dugouts.

Other changes would include using an electronic strike zone to keep umpires far enough from players, and a number of seven-inning doubleheaders to get close to the usual 162 games, despite the late start. Major League Baseball officials shut down spring training and indefinitely delayed the start of the season in mid-March.

So while the plan would mean no cheering on the Racing Presidents nor traditional singing of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" in the seventh inning, Nationals fans could watch their team return.

Read the full ESPN story here.

With reporting by Patch editor Mike Carraggi