![Now in Chisox 'pen, Kopech makes debut after 2020 opt-out](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/rdOSgeBIBWZvAk52rVX37DQfS5o=/1600x1067/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/U3NMV3COU5BRTOXKRO3FUKR2WY.jpg)
Now in Chisox 'pen, Kopech makes debut after 2020 opt-out
TWINS 1, ORIOLES 0 (7 INNINGS)Minnesota ace Kenta Maeda allowed one hit in three innings, striking out four in his second start. Baltimore's Dean Kremer fared better in his second start, allowing a hit and a walk in three scoreless innings. Deivi Garcรญa pitched three shutout innings in his second start for the Yankees. Nick Pivetta made his second start for Boston, allowing a run on three hits with three strikeouts in three innings. Alex Wood worked two innings in the start for San Francisco and gave up a home run to Omar Narvaez.
![Sigh and Cy: Bieber tagged, Bauer sharp in Dodgers debut](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/G1q5GGYGuFNLCx5i9aUBB7YchGY=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/SC2XS5PJIVBGNMWTTZAFA37SDE.jpg)
Sigh and Cy: Bieber tagged, Bauer sharp in Dodgers debut
Bieber bounced back with a pair of strikeouts, but Nick Heath hit a single to put the Royals up 3-0. DODGERS 10, ROCKIES 0 (6 INNINGS)Trevor Bauer, pitching for the first time since signing a $102 million, three-year contract, debuted in Dodger blue with two scoreless innings. Jameson Taillon followed with a scoreless inning. CUBS 1, PADRES 0 (7)Chicago starter Kyle Hendricks struck out two in two scoreless innings. BREWERS 7, DIAMONDBACKS 1 (8)Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta each threw a scoreless inning for Milwaukee before Jordan Zimmermann gave up a run.
![Freeman prayed 'Please don't take me' during COVID-19 fight](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/qQA7jwLWEHfR9sLxHS8-0jRV14s=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/PZRKUTLVWBBQJIAYN5NFQVRFPY.jpg)
Freeman prayed 'Please don't take me' during COVID-19 fight
Following a scary journey in his battle with COVID-19, Freeman knows he is grateful to even have a chance. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)ATLANTA Freddie Freeman doesn't know if he has time to be ready for the Atlanta Braves' opener. Following a scary journey in his battle with COVID-19, Freeman is grateful to even have a chance. Asked what he's looking to see from Freeman, Snitker said, I dont think I have to look for anything. Freeman was one of four teammates to test positive at the start of summer camp.
![As MLB 60-game season draws near, careful optimism prevails](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/nal3tTLwme5e-Hp-w9v_JsN5MFU=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/BFI2SCNXB5GMDO7XR4MZOCSAWY.jpg)
As MLB 60-game season draws near, careful optimism prevails
Several stars chose not to participate from the start, and rarely a day goes by without a positive COVID-19 test in one camp or another. But here we are, mere days from launching a season that's unique in almost every way. But Hyde remains hopeful that the season will start on time and go the distance. While there's reason for optimism, the stark truth is that COVID-19 is not going away. They still have a chance to play this season, manager Don Mattingly said.
![Posey out for 2020 as MLB teams deal with churning rosters](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/9EONj7c5sU6sD4DDRK4p8_ZiGrc=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/AUKMZ4N3QVHZPJWZRP7IKVK3EQ.jpg)
Posey out for 2020 as MLB teams deal with churning rosters
Posey a six-time All-Star and 2012 NL MVP said his family finalized the adoption of identical twin girls this week. Holt has a young family and his wife is pregnant, but he decided to leave them at home while he went to Milwaukee for the next three months. First baseman and team leader Freddie Freeman, premier reliever Will Smith, right-hander Touki Toussaint and infielder Pete Kozma tested positive for coronavirus. Epstein said two coaches tested positive prior to the intake process. A front office member tested positive during the intake.
![Braves 'ultimate pro' OF Nick Markakis opts out of season](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/t1X-WSdQAzeCVGVaw6wU7JUyASI=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/SNL5UVX6QFFYXHF2MWNZKOHSP4.jpg)
Braves 'ultimate pro' OF Nick Markakis opts out of season
ATLANTA Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis opted out of the 2020 season on Monday due to increased concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. Markakis is the second Atlanta veteran in two days to announce plans to sit out the 60-game season. Just hearing him, the way he sounded on the phone, it was tough, Markakis said. Braves first base coach Eric Young Sr. also will sit out the season. Markakis, Ender Inciarte and Adam Duvall were joined by rookies Cristian Pache and Drew Waters in the outfield competition.
![Braves' Felix Hernandez opts out of season due to pandemic](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/8jDpOGirMi6m2BZvM_TtTwrm1Ls=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/W5UWKP7RL5DEFOKPHFXVU7VD2Q.jpg)
Braves' Felix Hernandez opts out of season due to pandemic
ATLANTA Former Cy Young winner Flix Hernndez has opted out of the 2020 season, at least temporarily ending his bid to revive his career with the Atlanta Braves. Braves manager Brian Snitker said Sunday that Hernndez, 34, opted out due to the coronavirus pandemic. Snitker said Hernndez may have realized it is way, way different now as players must deal with the concerns of trying to start the season during the pandemic. The right-hander called King Felix posted a 6.40 ERA, was 1-8 in 15 starts and lost his spot in the rotation. Hernndez made a strong early impression in spring training and may have been on track for winning a spot in the rotation before the coronavirus pandemic delayed the season.
![Tough day for MLB: Price out, Freeman positive, Tanaka hurt](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/XV28MIbJDpwUIqR6Ada86CQmcsM=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/BGQ3K2FVR5GIJDPY25AHJLFF7E.jpg)
Tough day for MLB: Price out, Freeman positive, Tanaka hurt
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)Freddie Freeman tests positive for COVID-19. Due to concerns about medical privacy laws, MLB isnt making a practice of disclosing which players test positive. For example, Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said the team doesnt intend to reveal to the general public if anyone has tested positive. In the Braves case, the four players who tested positive permitted Snitker to reveal their names. Freeman joins Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon as four-time All-Stars who have tested positive.