Globe Life Field now open to Texas Rangers for training during coronavirus pandemic
Globe Life Field sits mostly empty these days, not that it’s had the chance to be filled to capacity.
Baseball games aren’t yet being played at the Texas Rangers’ new $1.2 billion home, as the 2020 MLB season is on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, but baseball activities started taking place there this week.
Players who live locally have started using the weight room and batting cages at Globe Life Field on a limited basis. Major League Baseball is aware that the Rangers are using the ballpark and following protocols, such as strict social distancing.
The players who have used Globe Life Field said doing so has given them a jolt of energy, and they are more easily motivated to keep training.
“It definitely helps out getting to work out there,” said right fielder Joey Gallo. “We’re lucky that we’re able to. It’s really nice, like extremely nice. I can’t wait until we actually get to play a game in there. I think, in person, when you’re in there, it’s bigger and nicer than it looks in pictures.”
Among the other players working out locally, though not necessarily at the ballpark, are shortstop Elvis Andrus, designated hitter Shin-Soo Choo, catcher Robinson Chirinos, left fielder Willie Calhoun, center fielder Danny Santana, first baseman Ronald Guzman, utility player Nick Solak and left-hander Taylor Hearn.
Globe Life Field remains closed to the public.
“We’re just trying to not have a big group of players together at the same time,” Gallo said.
No more than two players are allowed in the weight room at one time, and they are working out at staggered times, and not every day. The weight room is two levels, Gallo said, with weights on the first floor and cardio and yoga on the second floor.
Hitters are using the batting cages rather than using the field under the same type of protocols. Gallo said that the team could start hitting on the field within the next few weeks. Players are long-tossing on the field.
Players had been hitting in Arlington at the Warstic bat company’s indoor testing cages. Former Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler is a part owner of the Dallas-based company.
General manager Jon Daniels said earlier during the shutdown that the baseball areas at Globe Life Field were to undergo a deep medical cleaning and would be cleaned thoroughly after each workout.
“I think anybody who is doing anything is doing so on a very limited basis, and we would be the same,” Daniels said.
