More MLB Games are Canceled with Opening Day Moved to April 14th

Major League Baseball announced yesterday that the league has canceled more games, pushing Opening Day to April 14.

“Because of the logistical realities of the calendar, another two series are being removed from the schedule,” MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred stated.

Negotiations between the owners and players union remain at a standstill.

“I am saddened by this situation’s continued impact on our game and all those who are a part of it, especially our loyal fans,” added Manfred.

The MLB Players Association issued their own statement, which said MLB’s decision to cancel additional games was “completely unnecessary” and players have “yet to hear back” following proposals.

League representatives and MLB Players Association (MLBPA) officials had met this week in New York as they seek a new collective bargaining agreement. Issues that need to be resolved include MLB’s competitive balance tax and minimum salaries.

Last week, Manfred canceled the first two series of the 2022 regular season, totaling more than 90 games. He had called the MLB’s previous proposal its best offer and added “players will not get paid” for games missed.

Though players aren’t being paid, MLBPA issues stipends totaling a little more than $12,000 to each player during the lockout. MLBPA also started a $1 million fund for stadium workers affected by the work stoppage.

“This fund is intended to support workers who are most affected by the MLB-imposed lockout but whose livelihoods have been disregarded by the owners in their efforts to pressure players into accepting an unfair deal,” MLB executive director Tony Clark said in a statement.

MLB matched the $1 million fund to help workers.

“It’s embarrassing to be where we are,” Yankees president Randy Levine told ESPN’s “The Michael Kay Show.”
Levine also rejected the notion that owners don’t care about missing games in April, as it is considered a low-revenue month.

“We’re all sick to lose any games,” he said. “Losing any games is bad. Each game we lose, we lose a lot of money. Each game the players lose, they lose salary. That’s horrible.”

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