Coronavirus fears lead four MLB players to decide to skip season

Former Giants pitcher Mike Leake, Bishop O'Dowd-Oakland alum Joe Ross and two-time All-Stars Ryan Zimmerman and Ian Desmond announced Monday that they will sit out the 60-game Major League Baseball season for the safety of themselves and their families. Leake, 32, was a candidate for a rotation spot with the Diamondbacks, who acquired him from the Mariners at the 2019 trade deadline. His decision came on a day that general manager Mike Hazen said two players on Arizona's 60-man roster tested positive for the coronavirus, as did another player not in Arizona. "During this global pandemic, Mike and his family had many discussions about playing this season," Leake's agent, Danny Horwits, said in a statement. "They took countless factors into consideration, many of which are personal to him and his family. After thorough consideration, he has chosen to opt out of playing in 2020. This was not an easy decision for Mike. He wishes the best of luck and health for his Diamondback teammates this season and he's looking forward to 2021." MLB is allowing players with preexisting medical conditions or compromised immune systems to opt out of the 2020 season and receive their full pro-rated...