With no resolution in sight, MLB cancels games until 14 April
With a resolution between the owners and the players yet to be reached, MLB has cancelled more games on the 2022 schedule.
The MLB has cancelled games until April 14 as the league's lockout goes on, with the decision criticised as "completely unnecessary" by the players' association.
The owners and players have still to reach a resolution on a new collective bargaining agreement, with MLB enduring the ninth work stoppage in its history, which has already seen Opening Day cancelled.
In a statement on Wednesday, commissioner Rob Manfred said: "In a last-ditch effort to preserve a 162-game season, this week we have made good-faith proposals that address the specific concerns voiced by the MLBPA and would have allowed the players to return to the field immediately.
"The Clubs went to extraordinary lengths to meet the substantial demands of the MLBPA. On the key economic issues that have posed stumbling blocks, the Clubs proposed ways to bridge gaps to preserve a full schedule. Regrettably, after our second late-night bargaining session in a week, we remain without a deal.
"Because of the logistical realities of the calendar, another two series are being removed from the schedule, meaning that Opening Day is postponed until April 14th.
"We worked hard to reach an agreement and offered a fair deal with significant improvements for the players and our fans. I am saddened by this situation's continued impact on our game and all those who are a part of it, especially our loyal fans.
"We have the utmost respect for our players and hope they will ultimately choose to accept the fair agreement they have been offered."
In response, the MLBPA said: "The owners' decision to cancel additional games is completely unnecessary.
"After making a set of comprehensive proposals to the league earlier this afternoon [Wednesday], and being told substantive responses were forthcoming, players have yet to hear back.
"Players want to play, and we cannot wait to get back on the field for the best fans in the world.
"Our top priority remains the finalisation of a fair contract for all players, and we will continue negotiations toward that end."
Among the key monetary issues being discussed are the scale of a Competitive Balance Tax, minimum salaries and bonus pool money for pre-arbitration players.
Player salaries have dropped four per cent since 2015, when Manfred became commissioner.
Players stand to lose $20.5million in salary for every day of the season that is cancelled.