Diamondbacks NewsHazen Not Ready to Commit to CloserArizona GM, Mike Hazen, expects there to be an open competition for essentially all the bullpen slots this season https://www.arizonapetsstore.com/Carson_Kelly_Dog_Jersey-8, with recently acquired Joakim Soria providing a veteran voice among the young arms.Spring TrainingMLB, MLBPA Agree to 2021 Health and Safety Protocols While teams will no longer be playing in a radically realigned league https://www.arizonapetsstore.com/Humberto_Castellanos_Dog_Jersey-17, the rest of the 2021 health and safety protocols look quite similar to those of last season. Two exceptions are, the universal _DH is gone, as is the expanded playoff field. Of course, with so much money on the line, those two items could still come into play between now and the beginning of the season.Players Not Required to Get VaccineOne major difference for 2021 health and safety protocols is the existence of a COVID-19 vaccine. Players will be encouraged to get the vaccine when they can, but are not required to do so. They will be subject to non-disciplinary contact tracing and will need to mostly stay in their hotel rooms when on the road.Inside the 2021 Heath and Safety Protocols Ken Rosenthal takes a deeper look at all the protocols surrounding both spring training and the regular season https://www.arizonapetsstore.com/Riley_Smith_Dog_Jersey-40.Other Baseball NewsMLB Plans Changes to 2021 BaseballIn an effort to curtail the exploding home run rate, MLB intends to deaden the ball somewhat for the 2021 season.