MLB and the MLB Players Association have been unable to reach an agreement to end the work stoppage.
Photo: Julio Aguilar/Getty Images
The commissioner of Major League Baseball (MLB), Robert Manfred, announced this Wednesday the cancellation of two other series in Major League Baseball and postponed the start of the season until April 14, something with which the players do not agree.
“Due to the logistical realities of our schedule, two other series will be removed from the schedule, which means Opening Day is postponed until April 14.Manfred said in the statement released today by MLB.
The announcement of the cancellation of two more weeks of the season, which was originally going to start on March 31, comes when team owners and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) are meeting this Wednesday in search of a new labor agreement.
“In a last-ditch effort to preserve the 162-game season, we have made good faith proposals this week that address the specific concerns expressed by the MLBPA and would have allowed players to return to the field immediately. Unfortunately, after our second session of negotiations we still do not have an agreementManfred said.
The commissioner said he hopes there will be an agreement soon and thus end the strike that has affected Major League Baseball since last December 2.
“We have the utmost respect for our players and hope that in the end they will choose to accept the fair deal that has been offered to them,” added Manfred.
For its part, the Major League Baseball Players Association immediately stated its disagreement with the cancellation of the series. “The owners’ decision to cancel more games is totally unnecessary. After presenting a complete package of proposals to the league this afternoon, the players have not yet received any response, “the association said in a statement sent this Wednesday.
“The players want to play, and we look forward to getting back on the pitch for the best fans in the world. Finalizing a fair contract for all players remains our highest priority, and we will continue negotiations to that end.”
