MLB announces assistance to minor league players is extended through May 31

By Byron Kerr

Nationals

March 31, 2020, 7:19am

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Following up its recent announcement that Minor League Baseball players would be financially covered through April 8, Major League Baseball announced Tuesday that it has extended financial support until May 31 or until the beginning of the minor league season, whichever occurs first.

MLB said players will continue to receive medical benefits and may continue to use any balance they have in the college scholarship plan or continuing education program. In addition, each club will make its own arrangements to provide support to players on Rookie-level Dominican Summer League rosters.

General manager Mike Rizzo confirmed during a Monday conference call that the Nationals are housing in South Florida hotels players who were unable to return to their home countries due to safety concerns.

The Nationals have told me they have been in constant communication with their minor league players and staff at each level on a frequent basis throughout the shutdown due to the coronavirus. Rizzo had said in mid-March that the Nationals were going to take care of their minor league players even before MLB made its previous announcement of extending financial support to April 8.