MLB Teams Ground Scouts Amid Heightened Novel Coronavirus Concerns

Image credit: (Photo by Brian Westerholt/Four Seam Images)

Teams at all levels of baseball are taking extra precautions due to the novel coronavirus. In the major leagues, multiple teams have pulled their scouts off the road and others are continuing to discuss taking that step.

Collegiately, the Ivy League canceled the season for all spring sports, including baseball, dozens of other programs have closed their games to fans.

And at the high school level, programs have canceled their scheduled attendance at major events such as the National High School Invitational and the Boras Classic.

Here is a rundown of the latest actions teams and schools have taken in response to COVID-19. This list will be updated throughout the day.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

The Astros, Cubs and Rangers have pulled pro scouts off of their coverage and told them to return home.
The Yankees have pulled their pro scouts off of their spring training coverage and told their amateur crosscheckers not to fly. They have also suspended international scouting except for scouts who live in the region they cover.
The Angels have told their pro and amateur scouts not to fly anymore and will have them work regionally within driving distance.
The Marlins have restricted travel to Asia.
The Indians and D-backs have restricted their scouts from flying.

COLLEGE BASEBALL

More than 70 programs have canceled games or restricted fan attendance. Click here to see the list.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

Cherry Creek (Colo.) HS and Palo Verde (Nev.) HS have canceled their participation in the Boras Classic of Arizona due to travel restrictions put in place by their school districts. The Boras Classic of Arizona is continuing to take place this week with 15 teams and with fans, scouts and media all allowed to attend.

Harvard-Westlake (Calif.) HS and St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) HS have canceled their participation in the National High School Invitational. Harvard-Westlake has suspended all spring sports.