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Blue Jays first opponent in Buffalo dealing with COVID-19 outbreak

The Erie County Executive says he supports the Blue Jays playing games in Buffalo but wants it to be done safely.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. — The first team scheduled to play the Toronto Blue Jays in Buffalo is now dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak.

Multiple sources say players and coaches with the Miami Marlins have recently tested positive for the coronavirus.

The Marlins have canceled their home opener scheduled for Monday night. They are scheduled to play the Blue Jays at Sahlen Field in Buffalo on August 11th.

News concerning the Marlins prompted Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz to take to Twitter on Monday, voicing concern.

I have already contacted NYS and @BuffaloBisons leadership regarding the @Marlins COVID-19 outbreak. While I support the @BlueJays playing in Buffalo, it must be done safely and cannot put out community at risk. No community should be put at risk just for sports.
— Mark Poloncarz (@markpoloncarz) July 27, 2020

Meanwhile, preparations continue at Sahlen Field for the Blue Jays arrival in August. Several upgrades are needed to make the stadium ready for Major League Baseball.

Two On Your Side's Dave McKinley spotted the scoreboard being tested for the Jays games.

Testing out the Sahlen’s field scoreboard and getting the field ready for the #TorontoBlueJays to take flight in #Buffalo #MLB @BlueJays @WGRZ First game here scheduled for 8/11 vs Marlins pic.twitter.com/06xsDhY7UU
— Dave McKinley (@DaveMcKinley2) July 27, 2020

Meanwhile, there could be a fly in the ointment with a reported #COVID19 outbreak involving the team the @BlueJays are supposed to host for the 1st scheduled game at Sahlens in #Buffalo on 8/11 @WGRZ https://t.co/OkKqHQdNuE pic.twitter.com/IqVaphY65L
— Dave McKinley (@DaveMcKinley2) July 27, 2020