Major League Baseball on Wednesday announced the cancellation of two more series from the 2022 regular season schedule as the lockout negotiations between MLB and the MLBPA remain deadlocked. It was also announced that opening day is now also delayed until April 14 (but for the Mets, that will be April 15).
Commissioner of Baseball Rob Manfred released a statement Wednesday evening. In his statement he said the removal of more games from the schedule is due to the “logistical realities of the calendar.”
“We worked hard to reach an agreement and offered a fair deal with significant improvements for the players and our fans. I am saddened by the situation’s continued impact on our game and all those who are a part of it, especially our loyal fans,” stated Manfred. “We have the utmost respect for our players and hope they will ultimately choose to accept the fair agreement they have been offered.”
https://twitter.com/MarlyRiveraESPN/status/1501702666107465736
For the Mets, the removal of two more series takes away their series against the Washington Nationals that was scheduled to take place April 7 through April 10 at Nationals Park, as well as their series against the Philadelphia Phillies April 11 through April 13 at Citizens Bank Park. Both of those series were scheduled to be played on the road, therefore eliminating that road trip.
Barring any more cancellations or postponements, the Mets will now open their 2022 regular season at home at Citi Field against the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 15.
Following Wednesday’s cancellation of more games, the players association also released a follow-up statement, stating, “The owners decision to cancel additional games is completely unnecessary. After making comprehensive proposals to the league earlier this afternoon, and being told substantive responses were forthcoming, players have yet to hear back.”
They went on to reiterate that the players want play baseball and look forward to getting back on the field. “Our top priority remains the finalization of a fair contract for all players, and we will continue negotiations toward that end.”
Statement from the Major League Baseball Players Association after #MLB cancels another week of games. My comment. Players want to play…if they get more money. This whole thing is obviously about money the average person can’t even relate. pic.twitter.com/2ZTdjImSf4
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) March 10, 2022
Wednesday’s cancellations also mean the earliest start we could see of Spring Training will be March 18. That is scheduled to be a home game for the Mets at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, FL.
