Pirates-Marlins Games In Puerto Rico In Jeopardy Due To Zika Concerns
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Pittsburgh Pirates can't confirm whether or not Major League Baseball will actually cancel a trip to Puerto Rico on their schedule for May 30 and 31 for two games against the Miami Marlins.
However, Yahoo Sports reported Tuesday that the MLB is close to cancelling the trip completely.
If the Pirates do head to Puerto Rico at the end of the month, they will need to take some extra precautions.
U.S. health officials say Puerto Rico is on the front lines of the battle with the Zika virus.
The games are part of baseball's observance of Roberto Clemente Day; but in recent weeks, players from both teams have expressed concerns, and fans don't blame them:.
"Too many risks. Too many risks. It's just not worth it," Pirates fan Deb Nichols said.
"I think if they want to cancel the game in Puerto Rico they should do what is safest for the players and for the rest of the community and Pittsburgh," Pirates fan Courtni Bittner said.
The CDC has met with the Marlins and representatives from the MLB. The league's medical director met with the Pirates on Saturday.
"I think they just need to play baseball. They need to win games. That's what it's about," Pirates fan David Diguglielmo said.
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"I don't ever think a Pirates game should be canceled. We could play it here. We always have a stadium available," Pirates fan Karen Hauser said.
But if the games are moved, they would likely be played in Miami.
"I'll accept that. I will accept Miami," Hauser said.
"I know, personally, I wouldn't attend Puerto Rico just because there's so many questions still out there about the virus," Pirates fan Jennifer McPaul said.
The player representative with the Marlins says a decision to either cancel or move the games should be made by the end of the week.