MLB News and Notes
Former Red, Cormier, dies at 53
Rheal Cormier, who played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball, passed away yesterday at 53 years old. He lost his long battle with cancer, and baseball mourned his passing with statements made by many current and former players and managers.
Cormier last played for the Cincinnati Reds in 2007 after a trade that brought him over to the Reds from Philadelphia. That trade was in July of 2006 for Justin Germano.
Over the course of his 16-year career, Cormier played for five teams, including the Cardinals, Red Sox, Expos, Phillies, and finally the Reds, before calling it a career. He actually had two stints in Boston with the Red Sox sandwiched around his time in Montreal.
Ramirez, Reyes Return To Indians Camp
Cleveland Indians' third basement Jose Ramirez has returned to the team after being away for a few days due to COVID-19 protocol. He will rejoin team workouts today and expects to be in the lineup for the Indians on Wednesday.
Ramirez had violated COVID-19 protocols and needed a negative test to return to the club. It appears he will be allowed back without any further punishment from the team.
Outfielder Franmil Reyes will also return to the club today and be allowed to participate in team workouts. He, too, will likely be in the lineup tomorrow for the Indians' next game.
Ramirez and Reyes violated MLB COVID-19 protocol by stopping for haircuts and dinner together after a spring training game last week. It appears both will not have further discipline from the Indians but still await anything from the league office.
Reds Opening Day To Look A Little Different
Due to COVID-19 restrictions still in place, Opening Day in Cincinnati will look a bit different than in years past.Â
The Reds will host their division rival St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ballpark on April 1. The first pitch is set for 4:10 PM EST, and the Cardinals will trot out young ace Jack Flaherty to the mound. The Reds have not announced who will start, though Luis Castillo seems as though he is the obvious choice.
Unlike prior years, there will be no Opening Day Parade at the ballpark. The Reds front office has said despite some fans being allowed in until they are allowed to be at full capacity, they cannot have special events such as the annual Opening Day parade.
The Reds will be permitted to have 30% capacity in the ballpark to start the season, and Opening Day will be no different. As the Reds continue to work with State and local officials, there will be certain restrictions in place at the ballpark.
Masks will be required in all areas of the stadium unless someone is actively eating or drinking. Fans will also have their seating arrangements be grouped into pods throughout the stadium to allow for social distancing.
Single-game tickets are not on sale yet, but they will go fast as other teams have already started selling theirs, and the prices are skyrocketing on the aftermarket sites.
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