Major League Baseball announced via press release on Tuesday morning their intent to pay Minor League Baseball players through May 31 or the start of the season.

This announcement follow an announcement from earlier in the month when the MLB said it would pay their minor league players through April 8.

The statement reads that “MLB is taking this additional step to continue assistance for Minor League players and their families during the unexpected postponement of to the start of the season. All players will continue to receive medical benefits and may continue to use ant balance they have in the College Scholarship Plan or Continuing Education Plan.”

Furthermore, the statement goes on to announce “The exceptions to this plan are players who are signed to Major League contracts; players who are already receiving housing, food or other services from Clubs; and players on the Restricted, Voluntary Retired, Disqualified or Ineligible Lists.  In addition, each Club will make its own arrangements to provide support to players on Dominican Summer League rosters during the same period. As a procedural matter, Major League Baseball has informed Minor League Baseball that Major League Clubs are unable to supply their Minor League affiliates with players as a result of the national health emergency.  All MLB Clubs are now in the process of informing Minor League players of the suspension of their Uniform Player Contracts.  Today’s announcement provides funds for impacted eligible players during the delay.”

The MLB also announced a joint-effort with the MLBPA to spread food around to anyone effected by the Covid-19 Pandemic. This was announced on March 16th through MLB.com, but was noted in today’s release, along with their $30 Million for ballpark employees, $1 Million for each team, also announced on MLB.com.

Lastly, the MLB announced on Thursday that they are partnering with Fanatics to produce hospital gowns and masks as the nation’s medical professionals face a shortage of necessary supplies.

The MLB closed its’ statement with: “We will continue to monitor ongoing events and undertake the precautions and best practices recommended by public health experts, and urge all baseball fans to follow suit.  MLB extends its best wishes to all the individuals and communities who have been impacted by the Coronavirus.”

Full season minor league teams were due to start their season on April 5.