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Twins' Odorizzi favors playoff bubble: 'Can't afford' another outbreak

Michael Reaves / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Minnesota Twins right-hander Jake Odorizzi believes it would be a good idea for Major League Baseball to establish a bubble for postseason play during the fall.

"You can't afford to have another (outbreak) during the regular season, let alone the postseason," Odorizzi said, according to Jayson Stark of The Athletic. "And I think with the bubble situation, if it's a playoff situation, it's much more easy to do mentally for guys. I mean, look at the NBA. Look at the NHL. I think they've done a good job with their bubbles. But also, they know it's a playoff situation, as opposed to the whole season.

"So as long as there's a good plan in place for that and it's all ironed out, I think it's a great idea, just because it limits the exposure. ... And it gives guys a little bit of comfort, knowing that you're going to be in one area, one hotel, back and forth to the stadium. And there are less outside things that can happen when you're in that situation."

The league is reportedly holding preliminary discussions regarding a bubble format during the playoffs. It's believed MLB favors multiple bubbles, including sites in Southern California, Chicago, and New York.

Odorizzi acknowledged that a bubble scenario is best suited for the postseason.

"They do (work)," the All-Star hurler said. "But I feel like it only can work for a playoff situation. You know there's a time period for when you're going to be there, where if somebody plays their whole season (in a bubble), it's different.

"For us, the feasibility of having a bubble or two bubbles for all the guys playing (a full regular-season) schedule is almost borderline impossible."

The league has faced criticism for the way it's handled the 2020 campaign amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals are dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks, and multiple other clubs had games postponed.

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