MLB’s 2020 season officially was green-lit by the MLB Players Association on Tuesday night, setting the A's up to play 60 games in 66 days.
The 2020 season is set to begin either July 23 of July 24. The A's will play 40 games against AL West foes and 20 interleague games against the NL West.
Coming off back-to-back 97-win seasons, the A's enter the 2020 campaign with high expectations. With the collection of talent Oakland possesses, they have a good shot to end their World Series drought.
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Here’s a sampling of reactions from A’s players to NBC Sports California via text message:
"We usually play really freaking good in August and September. Good luck to anyone facing us.”
-- Pitcher Chris Bassitt
"Just ate some dinner with my family excited to be back in the bay and excited to be back with my teammates and putting on the Oakland A's uniform."
-- Outfielder Robbie Grossman
“Guys are excited and eager to play with each other because we know we have a unique group.”
-- Outfielder Ramon Laureano
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"I’m just happy we’re finally going to play. Sports can be a release in difficult times. I’m hoping that’s the case again. I’m also very excited about seeing our group of guys again. They’re inspiring to be around."
-- Manager Bob Melvin
"I’m just excited to get back to baseball. It’s about time. I’m in Oakland right now knocking down the doors to get back in."
-- Reliever Liam Hendriks
"Very excited to get back on the field, been waiting for this news a long time, grateful for all the work done to get to this point. Let’s Go Oakland!"
-- Right fielder Stephen Piscotty
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"I missed baseball and I’ll be happy to be back doing what natural for me at this time of year. I will say I think as a collective we players need to be as careful as we can to keep our selves healthy during the season."
-- Outfielder Mark Canha