The series between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Miami Marlins in in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is no more, according to Major League Baseball and the MLBPA.
MLB, @MLB_PLAYERS postpone 2-game series in Puerto Rico between @Pirates, @Marlins; May 30-31 games move to Miami. https://t.co/WnlebSSq3Z
— MLB (@MLB) May 6, 2016
The relocation came about after growing concern of the presence of the Zika virus in Puerto Rico. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus can be transmitted through mosquito bites and mosquitoes carrying the virus have been reported on the island.
“The Players Association requested that Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. relocate the games after numerous players expressed concerns about contracting and potentially transmitting the Zika virus to their partners,” MLB and the MLBPA said in a joint statement. “Players and staff of both clubs received full briefings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) science staff regarding the risks associated with the Zika virus and the recommended precautions for travelers including those with partners who are pregnant or attempting to conceive. After discussing the issue with all involved parties, and consulting with federal and Puerto Rican government officials at the highest levels, Commissioner Manfred decided that the players who objected to the trip because of their specific family situations should not be forced to travel to Puerto Rico. Because too many regulars on both clubs fell into that category, Commissioner Manfred had no choice but to relocate the games.”
The consensus among both teams is a mix of disappointment and understanding. This trip would have been the first time since 2010 that a Major League game was played in Puerto Rico.
“You trust the process, that the union and the league are going to do what’s best for everyone, and make sure they take care of everyone,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly told MLB.com. “On the other side of that, I’m a little disappointed. I haven’t been to Puerto Rico in a while. I’ve played winter ball there.”
“We are saddened by the circumstances in Puerto Rico and elsewhere that led to this decision,” the Pirates said in a statement. “We are hopeful that the public health institutions can quickly eradicate the health risks that are regrettably affecting the Puerto Rican people. We look forward to an opportunity in the near future to return to Puerto Rico to play before the great Pirates fans who were so excited for these games.”
The two games will instead be played in Miami on may 30-31. The statement from Major League Baseball and the MLBPA goes on to say they plan to hold several youth baseball events in Puerto Rico during the month of May and that “MLB looks forward to returning to play games in Puerto Rico in the near future.”
Main Photo:
