Report: Dodgers and Astros could play in same division, possible late June start

A new MLB plan considers starting the season as soon as late June with a new divisional format that would pit the Dodgers against the Astros. Games could return to California this summer.

Well, if you were hoping the Dodgers would get a chance to exact revenge on the Houston Astros for stealing their World Series title in 2017, they might get an opportunity soon.

According to a USA Today report, Major League Baseball is considering a proposal that would split the league into three 10-team divisions, with the Dodgers and Astros in the “West” division, along with other natural rivals, such as the Angels and Giants.

The idea is built upon a plan that would allow teams to play in their own ballparks without fans in attendance. According to the report, MLB officials are “cautiously optimistic” about playing a 100-game season beginning by the Fourth of July weekend. The timeline and details of the plan remaining fluid, as it is still pending approval of medical experts and public officials.

California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti have indicated that it is extremely unlikely sporting events will be able to be hosted in front of fans in the area over the summer. It appears MLB is testing that qualification by proposing the possibility of playing in empty stadiums.

Several prominent players have expressed concerns over alternative plans that would quarantine teams in select states, such as Arizona. This new plan would allow players to stay close to their families while playing out an abbreviated 2020 schedule.

Under the proposed re-alignment, the Dodgers’ division would include familiar foes, such as the Giants, Padres, Diamondbacks, and Rockies, but would also include AL West opponents, including the Rangers, Athletics, Mariners, and Astros.

Dodgers: MLB clears path for 2020 ticket refunds

Dodgers fans might finally be able to receive refunds for tickets purchased for the 2020 season.

There have been several plans floated in the media about how a 2020 season could look. You wonder if the league is testing the reception of different options before advancing any of them to the next stages of planning. As states start to ease social distancing restrictions in a patchwork framework, additional options for MLB scheduling might become available.

This is a breaking story, so check back for more details later.