The Toronto Blue Jays will install their home at PNC Park in Pittsburgh if the state of Pennsylvania approves it, two officials familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.
The agreement to share the stadium with the Pirates depends on the approval of state government authorities, according to officials who spoke with the AP on condition of not being identified because they were not authorized to comment before the government’s decision was released. .
Canada rejected the Blue Jays’ request to play at the Rogers Center because the regular season schedule would force frequent travel to and from the United States, where COVID-19 cases continue to increase. Canada has flattened the contagion curve.
Pirates president Travis Williams had previously confirmed that he was in negotiations to host the Blue Jays and was willing to open the doors if it was safe. Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo was excited about the idea of playing at PNC Park and his Pirates counterpart Derek Shelton said he would have no problem if the Blue Jays moved to town.
The Pirates are managed by Ben Cherington, a former Blue Jays executive.
The other 29 major league clubs plan to play the season reduced to 60 games due to the pandemic in their stadiums and without spectators.
Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said this week his team was mulling five home contingency plans and negotiating with other teams. He declined to identify them.
Toronto kicks off the season in Tampa Bay on Friday and is due to play its first home game on July 29 against defending champion Washington.
The team had considered playing its home games at its preseason facility in Dunedin, Florida, but that is one of the states hardest hit by the virus. AP (HN)