While MLB worries about economic issues of returning, Rangers, players around the league weigh inherent risks – The Dallas Morning News

Texas Rangers pitcher Corey Kluber (right) watches teammate Kyle Gibson throw in the bullpen on the day pitchers and catchers reported for spring training at the team's training facility on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020, in Surprise, Ariz.

In the next two weeks, Major League Baseball and the Players Association will joust, primarily over economic issues, as they try to come up with a plan for restarting the game. What was clearly evident in the 24 hours after MLBs initial proposal leaked is that when it comes to money, players dont trust owners.

Better question: Whats the level of trust when the topic is their health?

Or that of their families?

Money may be the tangible item for the sides to fight over, but the potential health risk to playing in the middle of a pandemic is clearly the more essential issue. Also, its more difficult to grasp. Would there be adequate testing for players? How would that impact availability to the general public? How much greater would their risk be traveling and staying in hotels? And what of players or staff members in higher risk groups because of underlying conditions?

On Monday, within hours of the proposal being leaked, Washington Nationals reliever Sean Doolittle posted a 15-tweet thread expressing his concerns, not about money, but health protocols. It had received approximately 40,000 likes.

We all take inherent risks, said pitcher Kyle Gibson, one of three Rangers with chronic conditions. Whether thats related to travel or to leaving our families, there is going to be some risk. There is concern; we still dont know so much about this. All you can do is try to be smart and listen to the doctors.

Gibson was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis last year. He has learned a lot about the disease in a short period of time. Among the lessons: Ulcerative colitis attacks the gut because of a hyperactive autoimmune system. Though new information about COVID-19 emerges daily, those with autoimmune disorders are considered at higher risk for more serious complications from the disease.

He was also on a biologic medication, Remicade, delivered through an IV infusion. It can further compromise the immune system. In March, he canceled his last treatment over concerns hed expose himself to more risk, if not by the infusion itself, then by going to a transfusion center in St. Louis.

Diabetics, such as reliever Brett Martin, are also at higher risk for complications. Their unstable blood sugar levels can make various organs ripe for attack from a virus.

Third-base coach Tony Beasley is a cancer survivor, nearly four years removed from treatment. Those who have undergone treatment are considered to have compromised immune systems, putting them at greater risk for complications.

All three have spoken with their specialists. All three say the same thing: If there is an agreement to play, they will return to the team. They understand there may be risks. They believe MLB will have effective protocols in place to minimize the risk of spreading the disease and to mitigate any cases that do appear.

Im just anxious to get back playing, Martin said this week from his home outside Knoxville, Tenn. Im not too worried about it. I know they are going to take all the safety precautions. If it was too much of a risk, I dont think they would be talking about getting started.

Said Beasley, sheltering in rural Virginia: I would go back to work, but with a sense of caution. I know its a tough choice to make and everybody would have to consider the ramifications. I do think everybody has this sense of caution that wed really have to pay a lot of attention to other things around us.

Such as social-distancing protocols. Beasley is a hugger. Hed have to restrain himself. As the third-base coach, his instinct is to reach out and shake hands as a player rounds third base after a homer. Almost every sign sequence he relays involves touching a spot somewhere on his face. All of them would be considered no-nos under pandemic rules.

Speaking of face touching, Gibson licks his fingers between almost every pitch. That would be strongly discouraged.

As far as ingesting germs, I know I put myself at risk, he said.

Families are also a concern. Gibson has three children at home, including a newborn. Shin-Soo Choo, who has no underlying conditions, also has three kids at home. Choo has expressed as much concern over the health risks as any player in the organization.

I dont want to risk my life, he said last week. There is still a lot we dont know. Its going to be a tough decision.

Gibson has tried to keep himself informed. He recently read a long piece from The Atlantic entitled Why the Coronavirus is so Confusing, that explains how little scientists actually know about the disease.

The best thing we can do right now is plan and be patient, he said. In another month, things may look different. If the landscape looks bleak, Id hope owners would say, It doesnt look good; maybe we shouldnt play.

In the meantime, the players and owners will fight over money. It remains the most contentious issue. It is not, however, the most important one.

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While MLB worries about economic issues of returning, Rangers, players around the league weigh inherent risks - The Dallas Morning News