Negotiators for the Major League Baseball owners and players failed again Tuesday to reach an agreement on a new labor deal.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred responded by canceling each team's first two series of the regular season, marking the first time in 27 years that the league's season opener will be delayed by a labor dispute. As a result, Opening Day will not happen on March 31.
The continuing lockout will keep spring training camps closed to major league players including Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani and will keep much of the business of baseball shut down, including trades and free agent negotiations.
Negotiations between owners and players have been going on for months, putting many players in a precarious situation as they scramble to determine their future.
Hiroshima Carp outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who is seeking a move to the majors via the posting system, and free agent pitcher Yusei Kikuchi are among the Japanese players in limbo during the work stoppage.
