Trout: Players have 'a responsibility' to follow challenging safety protocols
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout is keeping tabs on topics related to his job, including the safety protocols that Major League Baseball recently suggested in a 67-page document submitted to the players' union.
The 28-year-old said playing the game he loves without high fives, spitting, and many other common baseball practices will take some getting used to, but he believes players have a responsibility to stay safe if they're to get through a 2020 season.
"It's definitely going to feel weird," Trout told Mike Oz of Yahoo Sports. "Any baseball is better than no baseball. It's going to be a challenge for all of us. You got a responsibility. You got a responsibility for others. You gotta prepare yourself to do all these things, because if you don't and the virus gets in that clubhouse, it's not going to be a good situation."
Trout, who's keeping the safety of his pregnant wife, Jessica, in mind, continued: "Everybody has a responsibility and it's going to be weird, it's going to be different, but if we can get back to healthy ways and try to keep everything out of that locker room and the league ... hopefully, everything works out."
Players recently held a call to discuss proposed safety protocols and have some issues with them, most notably changes to preparation and recovery routines that they believe could lead to an increased risk of injury, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman.
Among the changes that players are taking issue with are not being able to shower at the facility, use hot and cold tubs for recovery purposes, or use indoor batting cages during games, Heyman notes.
If a compromise can be reached in regards to the safety issues and other economic concerns being discussed by the league and players, Trout and his peers could get back to work. For the time being though, the three-time AL MVP will continue to monitor the situation from in his hometown of Millville, New Jersey, where he's working out every day and practicing at a nearby Little League field.
"I'm just waiting for the confirmation to get ready for the season," Trout said. "There's a lot of obstacles we've got to get over, but I'm sure as a group, we'll decide if it's the right time."