Pirates opener delayed due to MLB coronavirus suspension

PITTSBURGH — Major League Baseball announced it will delay the start of the 2020 Opening Day by at least two weeks and Spring Training games will be canceled as of 4:00 p.m.

The Pittsburgh Pirates were originally scheduled to open their season Thursday, March 26, on the road, against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Bucs home opener was scheduled for April 2 against the Cincinnati Reds.

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MLB says it will continue to evaluate ongoing events and effects on 2020 scheduling and guidance related to daily operations and workouts will be relayed to Clubs in the coming days.

The league says in a statement they “have been preparing a variety of contingency plans regarding the 2020 regular season schedule. MLB will announce the effects on the schedule at the appropriate time and will remain flexible as events warrant, with the hope of resuming normal operations as soon as possible.”

The Pirates released the following statement about the decision:

"The Pirates are in full agreement with and supportive of the Commissioner’s decision.

"As this situation evolves, so too will our response. What will not change, however, is how much we care about our fans, players, employees and the wellbeing of our community.

"Our front office team will continue to meet on a daily basis and will remain in constant communication with our medical expert partners at AHN and Highmark, as well as with Major League Baseball and government officials. We will provide information on any new developments and impacts as they become available.

“Together we will work through this unprecedented situation as we look forward to the return of baseball as soon as possible.”

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