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Rob Manfred Acknowledges MLB Lockout Is Bad for Sport, 'Optimistic' a Deal Gets Done

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred addressed the media Thursday morning at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, after the league officially entered into a lockout at 12:01 a.m. ET.

While Manfred explained the rationale behind a lockout, he also acknowledged that it wasn't ideal for baseball, saying: "It's not a good thing for the sport. ... We understand it's bad for the business."

A lockout gives the owners and players plenty of time to come to terms on a new collective bargaining agreement before the start of the 2020 season.

Manfred expressed optimism that the two sides will ultimately be able to reach common ground, saying: "I don't feel frustrated.