Phillies' Didi Gregorius will wear mask during games

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Didi Gregorius said that he will be wearing a mask this season, as a kidney condition makes him high-risk in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are trying to go through the guidelines and trying to do everything we can do to stay safe," Gregorius told The Philadelphia Inquirer. "So, that's why people see me walking around with a mask on and stuff. I am keeping myself safe, wearing a mask everywhere I go. So, I have to keep it on me all the time."

Gregorious is not the first MLB player to confirm that he would be wearing a mask, as Yankees outfielder Clint Frazier and others have said they'll wear masks, too. But others have been more skeptical, saying that they were considering it but were nervous about the mask making it difficult to breathe during games.

The MLB is not requiring players to wear masks and is allowing players to skip the season and receive a prorated salary if they do not feel comfortable risking their health. But for Gregorious, that is not a great option, as he is on a one-year, $14 million with the Phillies, and is hoping to earn a nice payday as a free agent following the season.

Fortunately, Gregorious does not sound too concerned about the prospect of having to wear a mask during games, as he says knowing he is preventing the spread of coronavirus far outweighs any discomfort.

"I think it adds safety for everybody, for me and people around me," Gregorius said. "So I think wearing it will be normal for me."