The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced the postponement of the beginning of the Major League Baseball season as teams remain apart and unable to practice due to social distancing guidelines.
Many activities, including working out and training, have filled these players’ days, but there has been time for a little bit of fun and competition.
MLB video game MLB The Show 20 was the perfect escape for 30 players from around the league who competed in a mini “Players League” that pitted virtual versions of all of the league’s teams in games against one another.
The playoffs, featuring the top eight teams from then regular season, took place this weekend with #1 seed and Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Blake Snell as the favorite to take home the crown.
After sweeping White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito in a 5-game series on Sunday, Snell showed that he is the best player in the league, at least when it comes to virtual action.
Snell, who finished the regular season with a 24-5 record with his Rays, swept Dodgers shortstop Gavin Lux and took two of three from Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil to reach the final round.
6th seed Lucas Giolito was more of a surprise in the finals, as he upset third-seeded Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette and then advanced past Cubs utility man Ian Happ in the semifinals.
His luck came to an end on Sunday, however, as Snell swept him to claim the league’s first ever Players League title in what became a fun and needed distraction for baseball’s players and fans.
