It's that time of year again. With a Covid twist.
Against the backdrop of a still dangerous coronavirus pandemic, Majoe League Baseball teams continue Spring Training this week, With games starting Feb. 28.
It is the first step in a 2021 season that will take many of the complexities from 2020′s 60-game sprint and stretch them over an additional four months.
Now it’s time to start all over - with Covid precautions firmly in place.
Spring rosters will be limited to 75 players and players will again be tested 3-4 times per week for COVID-19 and heavily restricted in what they can do during their time off.
Pitchers and catchers are reporting to camps across Central Florida, the Bay area and Southwest Florida this week with Grapefruit League contests beginning Feb. 28.
MLB has revised the 2021 Florida Spring training schedule by creating pods for Florida Grapefruit League games to separate teams by their sites on Florida’s east and west coasts.
This move will reduce cross-state travel concerns during the covid-19 pandemic.
Most teams are allowing some limited fan attendance, based on socially distanced seating and MLB health and safety protocols.
Here's what you need to know before heading out to the ballpark:
GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE DATES
Blue Jays
Grapefruit League opener: Feb. 28 at NYY
Spring home opener: March 1 vs. PITT
Blue Jays spring schedule >
Orioles
Grapefruit League opener: Feb. 28 vs PITT
Orioles spring schedule >
Rays
Grapefruit League opener: Feb. 28 vs ATL
Rays spring schedule >
Red Sox
Grapefruit League opener: Feb. 28 at MINN
Spring home opener: March 1 vs. ATL
Red Sox spring schedule >
Yankees
Grapefruit League opener: Feb. 28 vs. TOR
Yankees spring schedule >
Tigers
Grapefruit League opener: Feb. 28 vs PHI
Tigers spring schedule >
Twins
Grapefruit League opener: Feb. 28 vs. BOS
Twins spring schedule >
Astros
Grapefruit League opener: Feb. 28 vs. MIA
Astros spring schedule >
Braves
Grapefruit League opener: Feb. 28 at TB
Spring home opener: March 2 MIN
Braves spring schedule >
Marlins
Grapefruit League opener: Feb. 28 at HOU
Spring home opener: March 1 vs. NYM
Marlins spring schedule >
Mets
Grapefruit League opener: March 1 at MIA
Spring home opener: March 2 vs. HOU
Mets spring schedule >
Nationals
Grapefruit League opener: Feb. 28 at STL
Spring home operner: March 1 vs. HOU
Nationals spring schedule >
Phillies
Grapefruit League opener: Feb. 28 at DET
Spring home opener: March 1 vs. BAL
Phillies spring schedule >
Cardinals
Grapefruit League opener: Feb. 28 vs. WSH
Cardinals spring schedule >
Pirates
Grapefruit League opener: Feb. at BAL
Spring home opener: March 2 DET
Pirates spring schedule >
SPRING TRAINING STADIUMS
Information from the Asspciated Press was used in this report.