MLB adds 7-day DL for concussions

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A seven-day disabled list will be used for major league baseball players with concussions this season, the commissioner’s office and players’ union announced Tuesday.

The list is intended ‘to allow concussions to clear, prevent players from returning prematurely and give the clubs a full complement of players in one’s absence,’ according to the announcement. The seven-day term is a minimum, and players needing more than 14 days to return will be transferred to the regular 15-day disabled list.

The list will be used on a trial basis this season.

Baseball’s new policy for concussions also requires players to take a baseline neurological examination each spring, and whenever they join a new team. In addition, the policy establishes protocols for evaluating players and umpires for possible concussions and for clearing affected players and umpires to return. Finally, the policy mandates that each team associate with a brain trauma specialist in its area who can evaluate players and umpires as necessary.

‘This policy, which reflects the collective expertise of many of the foremost authorities in the field, will benefit players, umpires and clubs alike,’ Commissioner Bud Selig said, ‘and I am proud of the spirit of cooperation that has led us to this result.’

Said Michael Weiner, executive director of the players’ union: ‘The MLBPA is pleased to have worked with the Commissioner’s Office, members of club training and medical staffs and some of today’s leading experts in neurology to develop new protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of concussions. Player safety is a major concern of the collective bargaining parties, and these new protocols and procedures should enhance our ongoing efforts to protect the health of players and umpires.’

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