MLB is planning for return

We're finally getting close to some real baseball returning in the United States. Major League Baseball is expected to offer a proposal within a week to encourage players for a second spring training in early June and to potentially start playing games in early July (according to Jeff Passan of ESPN).

There are several hurdles to get over and that mainly concerns the health of players and staff. The start of the season has now been delayed six weeks by the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Monday, former major league baseball player Trevor Plouffe said he "heard from multiple sources" that "July 1st will be the Opening Day and all teams will be playing in their home ballparks."

Another issue is how they will operate the MLB draft in June. According to ESPN, scouting directors expect the draft to be decreased from 40 rounds to five. If the season is not played or it is delayed beyond July, front offices would also be forced to give furloughs and layoffs to some employees.