Today, the inevitable happened for Major League Baseball. In addition to the NBA, NHL, MLS, NCAA, XFL, and many other sports, MLB suspended play until further notice. The Rangers’ final spring training game was shortened by rain on Wednesday against the San Francisco Giants. The club had an off day on Thursday, but the question ran into their minds, was that it for March baseball?

MLB Spring Training officially suspended, opening day delayed pic.twitter.com/W0dKd37W2s

— MICHAEL LARK (@themichaellark) March 12, 2020

Did the League Make the right decision?

Look, no form of sports outweighs the health and safety of us individuals. Baseball and sports provide an external outlet that everyone enjoys. The cancellation of Spring Training was a no-brainer decision, even before the incident Wednesday night in Oklahoma City with Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert. Without a cancellation, the League would put thousands of individuals at risk for a preseason game that they would see their favorite player play a third of the game.

There was a small shock to suspend the start of opening day. I’m no doctor (and I don’t play one on TV), so I’m sure the League got word that the thirty-day window is an excellent benchmark to evaluate when and if baseball can resume. There are talks that the season may open in empty ballparks where fans wouldn’t be allowed in due to remaining high-level risks. However, I’m sure the League will evaluate that idea from an economic standpoint and decide whether it would be beneficial or not. Even though my Spring Training trip got canceled, there’s no doubt MLB and other leagues made the correct call.

Where do the Rangers go from here?

The Rangers made some roster moves on Wednesday to shorten their roster. The club optioned Kolby Allard and DeMarcus Evans to AAA Nashville before the game in Surprise Wednesday. Also, the Rangers optioned Leody Taveras to Frisco in the string of moves. There’s no word on when the season begins, and MLB hasn’t released much of a protocol on how the club needs to handle the exposure issue. As it stands now, all thirty clubs’ camps remain open. A positive side, the (hopeful) small break gives guys like Jose Trevino and, of course, Willie Calhoun an opportunity to recover from injuries.

At least you’ll be ready for opening day now🤷🏻‍♂️

— Joey Gallo (@JoeyGallo24) March 12, 2020

A significant downside is the delay of Globe Life Field. Fans, players, and even opposing teams showed pure excitement of the new palace. Unfortunately, those plans got put on hold, and Globe Life Field’s first regular-season game is now at an undetermined date. So let’s kick back and patiently await the coronavirus outbreak passing. Most importantly, stay safe, everyone.

✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼 pic.twitter.com/tZryMq7Ou5

— Emily Jones (@EmilyJonesMcCoy) March 12, 2020

Honestly with the NBA partnering with NHL, MLS, and MLB I think the other leagues may follow suit. Think the only March Madness will be the virus and not basketball-related

— Alex Plinck (@aplinckTX) March 12, 2020