DENVER (AP) Colorado Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond plans to sit
out this season to be with his family and help grow youth baseball
in his hometown in Florida.
The 34-year-old Desmond, who cited his pregnant wife and four kids,
wrote on Instagram that the ”COVID-19 pandemic has made this
baseball season one that is a risk I am not comfortable taking.”
The biracial slugger also mentioned a myriad of issues within
baseball, including racism, sexism, homophobia and socioeconomic
concerns.
Desmond, who hit .255 with 20 homers in 140 games last season, had
been due $5,555,556 for the prorated share of his $15 million
salary, part of a $70 million, five-year contract. He is owed $8
million next year, and his deal includes a $15 million team option
for 2022 with a $2 million buyout.
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Mike Leake is one
of the first players to opt out of the 2020 season due to concerns
about the coronavirus.
Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen announced Leake’s decision
shortly before Washington teammates Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross
opted out of the virus-shortened season.
Hazen also said two players on Arizona’s 60-man roster tested
positive for COVID-19, as did another player not in Arizona.
The 32-year-old Leake started 10 games for Arizona after being
traded from Seattle for outfielder Jose Caballero and cash in a
2019 deadline deal. Leake went 3-3 with a 4.35 ERA with Arizona and
earned his first AL Gold Glove Award for his time with the Mariners.
Leake was included in the Diamondbacks’ 60-player pool released
earlier Monday, but will be moved in a later transaction. He was
expected to compete for a spot in the Diamondbacks’ starting
rotation during the 60-game season.
