The commissioner of Major League Baseball has told the head of the players union, television networks and other partners that the league could shut down games as early as Monday if the spread of coronavirus throughout the league continues, ESPN reports.
Commissioner Rob Manfred has the authority to suspend the entire league if needed to ensure the safety of players, coaches, staff and umpires.
According to a separate ESPN report, the commissioner’s office has contacted networks and local stations broadcasting games to advise them to have alternative programming ready in the event that the season is suspended or canceled.
Since Tuesday, at least a dozen games were canceled, switched or rescheduled because members of one or both teams had tested positive for coronavirus, or one team played a team with infected players.
On Saturday, four more members of the St. Louis Cardinals were reported to have tested positive, forcing the league to cancel the team’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers.