Day 144

• Yoenis Cespedes has disappeared from the Mets -- most efforts to contact him have been unsuccessful, but word is now he's not opting out, nor is it COVID-19 related.  Hmmmm...  Late report indicates he WAS opting out.
• Joey Votto has self-reported coronavirus symptoms and gone on the IL, but no positive test to report.
• Kris Bryant of the Cubs also has a gastrointestinal issue.  Negative for the virus, but on the IL as well.
• Matt LaCosse is reported to be the EIGHTH New England Patriot to opt out of the season.  OK, SOMETHING is going on in New England.  I'm not 100% sure WHAT, but SOMETHING is happening here.     
• High-risk players who opt out of the NFL season will receive a $350,000 stipend from the league for the year -- lower-risk players would receive $150,000.
• The Pac-12 is having a player revolt over COVID-19 concerns. And the rest of the college football world will believe nothing is lost, especially with the Rose Bowl as a purported semifinal.  Would not even rule out the game being moved to Atlanta or something to reduce travel.     
• Jeff Passan reports more Cardinals positives incoming...
• Latest word is that the request of the sports networks to find alternate programming starting tomorrow was a bluff.  Well, the virus isn't bluffing, Commissioner Blinded By The Light And Fuck The Dodgers...     
• Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the US Open (should it take place as scheduled) and blasted tennis' responses to the coronavirus. 
• Head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles Doug Pederson has tested positive for the virus. 
• And today in MLB:  Two 7-inning games (the first doubleheader), and FOUR postponed games.  Real fine job there, Robbie...