The Toronto Blue Jays are supposed to play in Buffalo this season, but the first team they're scheduled to play at their new home is already dealing with a coronavirus crisis. 


What You Need To Know

  • The Blue Jays' first opponent in Buffalo, two weeks from now, is the Miami Marlins

  • The Marlins are reportedly dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak

  • City and county officials stress safety, and are in keeping in contact with MLB

"Health and safety of our community is the number one priority," Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, D, said.

The Miami Marlins, dealing with a coronavirus outbreak that's reportedly sidelined at least a third of the team, postponed its Monday night home opener. In two weeks, that same squad is supposed to be the first team to play the Toronto Blue Jays in Buffalo.

"Right now, I am comfortable that Sahlen Field is the home for the Toronto Blue Jays if Major League Baseball goes forward," Brown said.

According to reports, Major League Baseball has no plans to cancel or pause the season, but the outbreak, just a week into play, has leaders in the league's newest host city a little concerned.

"Just because the Blue Jays at this point are being allowed to come here, it doesn't mean that it will happen if it could endanger the public and themselves," Buffalo Common Council President Darius Pridgen, D, said.

Pridgen said he has trust in state and county leaders, who have exercised caution in other facets, to do the same with MLB.

"In the same way that you would shut down a bar, the same way that you would shut down a restaurant, if there was a spike or if they found that something occurred that could endanger the public, people should expect it would be the same thing for sports," he said.

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz tweeted that he supports the Blue Jays playing in Buffalo but no community should be put at risk. He said he's already contacted the state and leadership of the Buffalo Bisons, the minor league team hosting the Jays.

Brown said the city has been talking with the Bisons on a regular basis as well.

"There are some incredible health and safety protocols that Major League Baseball has. The Bisons have been talking on a daily basis with the Toronto Blue Jays organization," he said.

Brown said the city will lean heavily on the state Department of Health but believes ultimately a decision will be made by the league on whether teams can safely play. He said communities should have input though.

"I don't think this is just a decision for Buffalo. It's a decision for New York City and the Yankees and the Mets and it's a decision for communities all across the country where Major League Baseball will be played,” said Brown.

The DOH says it will continue to monitor public health metrics, review data, and use science to guide decisions on the evolving situation