ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Lovullo: Major League Baseball, players both want to get out, play in safe way

May 26, 2020, 6:30 PM | Updated: 8:33 pm

Manager Torey Lovullo #17 of the Arizona Diamondbacks relieves Robbie Ray #38 in the second inning ...

Manager Torey Lovullo #17 of the Arizona Diamondbacks relieves Robbie Ray #38 in the second inning of the spring training game against the Oakland Athletics at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 23, 2020 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)

(Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)

With the first economic proposal coming down from Major League Baseball to the Players Association, neither players or owners wants to rush through important details, but they do want to get back on the field.

“Both sides want to get out there and play, not risking any type of health consequence,” Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo told Burns and Gambo on Arizona Sports Tuesday. “Nobody wants to walk through anything that is going to make anybody potentially ill.”

MLB presented a deal to MLBPA on Tuesday that would call for the highest-paid players to take a significant pay cut. The league is hoping to begin a modified spring training by June 10 and start a shortened season by the July 4 weekend.

There are currently no firm dates for when plans have to be set in stone, but for players, coaches and fans alike, it would be nice to know when the season will begin.

“The bottom line is, and the common denominator is, that they are talking, there is discussions and both sides want to get something done, but we know this is a process,” Lovullo said.

Lovullo noted the situation has drastically changed since mid-March when the coronavirus pandemic forced baseball teams to suspend spring training.

In the meantime, the D-backs have opened up Chase Field and Salt River Fields to allow players to work out, throw bullpen sessions and work on hitting and fielding.

“The attendance has been really good. It’s been most of the players that live here locally because a lot of the players got up and got out to their hometowns which are outside of the state of Arizona,” Lovullo said.

Lovullo said they’re following very strict guidelines which allow only four people on the field at a time. That usually consists of two coaches and two players.

“We’re getting work done. That’s the bottom line, and that’s what I ask these guys to do,” Lovullo said.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Blake Snell...

Associated Press

Blake Snell and San Francisco Giants agree to $62 million, 2-year contract, AP source says

Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a $62 million, two-year contract.

6 hours ago

Zac Gallen...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen named Opening Day starter

The Arizona Diamondbacks named Zac Gallen the starter for Opening Day on March 28 when the Colorado Rockies come to Chase Field.

7 hours ago

Merrill Kelly...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen building strong outings with Opening Day near

Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly followed Zac Gallen's scoreless outing Sunday with one of his own Monday against the Athletics.

9 hours ago

Alek Thomas, Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder...

Kevin Zimmerman

D-backs’ Alek Thomas found confidence with just 2 swings in 2023 playoffs

Two Alek Thomas home runs during the 2023 playoff run for the Arizona Diamondbacks helped build his confidence. You can guess one of them.

12 hours ago

Alek Thomas...

Alex Weiner

NL West preview: Where do the Diamondbacks fit in a new-look division?

No division was more prevalent in the news cycle than the NL West. Here's a preview of the Dodgers, D-backs, Giants, Padres and Giants.

16 hours ago

Corbin Martin...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks option RHPs Corbin Martin, Slade Cecconi in final week of spring training

The Diamondbacks continued to clear up roster battles by optioning pitchers Corbin Martin, Slade Cecconi and Blake Walston Triple-A.

17 hours ago

Lovullo: Major League Baseball, players both want to get out, play in safe way