Physical Wellness

MLB Players Struck With Zika Fears, Rejects Playing In Puerto Rico

By Brian McNeill | Update Date: Apr 23, 2016 07:32 AM EDT

The Miami Marlins and the Pittsburgh Pirates are scheduled to play a two-game Major League Baseball series in Puero Rico on May 30-31 but there are now health concerns tied up with the Zika virus outbreak plaguing the region.

According to the Time, Puerto Rico has over 500 confirmed cases of Zika with possibly hundreds of thousands more infected.

The virus has been tied up with birth (called microcephaly which results in children being born with smaller heads) and something that can be spread via mosquito bites. It can also be contracted thorugh sexual intercourse.

Given those facts, players from both the Marlins and the Pirates are now expressing concern the health factors associated of pushing through with the games.

"We recognize the importance of the trip," Marlins pitcher Craig Breslow said via ESPN. "But at the same time, our health and the health of our families is paramount."

Discussions on the matter are currently ongoing, led no less by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred. As of this writing, Manfred assured the players of their safety in Puerto Rico and that the games are still to push through via Fox News.

“We feel it’s an important priority for baseball and we’re very anxious to play those games.”

However, the MLB player’s union head Tony Clark has described the health and safety concerns as serious, holding back on whether the games should push through.

"As is the case with any international event, there are steps that have to be taken procedurally as we work towards a solution," said Clark.

Clark is still at work trying to gather as much information as possible from scientific experts to see for the proper safeguarding of the players and their families.

Until the MLB officially issues something that makes it impossible for the games to be played, both the Marlins and the Pirates will play as scheduled in San Juan.

The schedule was made in line with Roberto Clemente Day, a league-wide tribute honoring the late Pirates Hall of Famer who was born and raised there. The meeting would be the first one at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium since the Marlins and Mets played in 2010.

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