KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Spring training looks, and feels different this time around — and that’s okay according to first-year skipper Mike Matheny.
“We are really just pounding the serious nature of how we all need to take care of each other,” Matheny said after the squad’s first official day of spring training 2.0. “I think they’re all buying in that this is a big deal and a huge responsibility.”
Two groups of four to five players each took turns for live batting practice Friday.
Matheny says he's excited to get to work. Spring Training 2.0 starts today at Kauffman. @41actionnews pic.twitter.com/s0FL03CY3x
— Aaron Ladd (@aaronladd0) July 3, 2020
MLB is limiting the number of players on the field at one time as part of the ongoing safe return to play policies.
“The hardest part is I haven't seen some of these guys for three months and I just want to give them a hug,” said 3B Hunter Dozier.
Dozier said he believes the Royals and players around the league will follow guidelines and best practices to keep the season on the right track.
“We’re going to try and follow the rules as best we can because we want to play this year so we are definitely going to do our part,” he said.
The team will continue to practice in group settings throughout the weekend. Matheny said the team is planning the first intrasquad scrimmage for Tuesday.
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