The health and safety protocols agreed Monday night by Major League Baseball and Major League Baseball Players Association are similar to what they were during the 2020 season, but with a few twists and turns.
Players, similar to their peers in the NFL and NBA, will wear sensors that enable clubs to monitor social distance and conduct contact tracking if an individual is positive. And unlike last season, the first time they played during the COVID-19 pandemic, they will be subject to possible discipline for violating the protocols, including suspension or reduction of salary if they miss time.
Many of the changes the league and union have adopted for the 60-game season in 2020, including seven-over double-header and a new rule for extra-innings, remain in force. The updated protocols, a copy of which was obtained by The Athletic, reflect everything the league and union have learned, as well as what they have learned from other professional sports leagues. Like last season, …