But as basketball, football and baseball gear up for long-awaited returns this month, they are doing so against a backdrop of anxiety and surging Covid-19 cases across the United States. The National Basketball Association and Major League Soccer (MLS) have drawn up plans which will see teams based in a protective “bubble” in Orlando, Florida where Covid-19 cases have skyrocketed in recent weeks. The Los Angeles Angels slugger revealed at the weekend he is contemplating skipping Major League Baseball’s abbreviated season to remain with his wife, who is expecting the couple’s first child next month. While basketball and soccer have opted to base all their teams in one location, Major League Baseball will start their shortened season this month with teams playing at their home stadiums. Public health experts believe it is a riskier proposition than the bubble plans put in place by the NBA and MLS.

Source: Standard Digital July 07, 2020 16:51 UTC