GOODYEAR, Arizona – One day after Major League Baseball paused spring training and the start of its season because of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Cincinnati Reds’ complex in Arizona was extremely quiet.
The big-league players’ parking lot was empty except for a John Deere tractor. Gates were locked. The medical staff was wiping down the entire building with disinfectant. A lot of staff members were preparing to be sent home Friday and Saturday.
“It’s very eerie,” said Rob Butcher, the Reds’ vice president of media relations.
The facility was closed to the public and the media Friday and will remain closed for the rest of the weekend.