MLB lockout is over: Here’s what that means for spring training in Arizona

Major League Baseball and the players’ association agreed to terms Thursday on a new collective bargaining agreement, ending a 99-day deadlock between the two sides and averting a potentially disastrous outcome for the sport.

Though the league had canceled some two weeks of games as talks dragged on, MLB is expected to play a full 162-game season, making up for lost time by playing doubleheaders and extending the season by a few days.

Spring training, however, will not be so fortunate. It will be cut short in a meaningful way, with Cactus League clubs playing a minimum of 17 to, in the case of the Diamondbacks, 22 games, down from the usual slate of 30.

Here is what we know so far about the state of the Cactus League.

Will there be spring training in 2022?

We can finally answer this one with certainty: Yes, there will be. Players began reporting to camps in Arizona and Florida on Friday. Sunday is the league-wide mandatory report date. That would make Monday the first day of official workouts.

With Opening Day scheduled for April 7, that gives teams less than a month to get ready.

“We are relieved that MLB and the MLBPA have reached an agreement," Cactus League Executive Director Bridget Binsbacher said in a statement. "The Cactus League’s 10 ballparks, eight host municipalities and the tribal community are excited to welcome back the teams and their fans.

"After two COVID-disrupted seasons, our facilities have proven to be flexible and adaptable, and they will work to accommodate a revised spring training schedule. The Cactus League promises to provide a safe, secure and enjoyable experience for all involved. Play ball!”

When will spring training games start?

The teams aren't wasting much time before jumping into games. The first Cactus League game will be played this Thursday, March 17, with the Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies facing off at Salt River Fields.

One change of note is that preseason games will extend well past the original end date of March 29. Games will be played through April 5, which is just two days before Opening Day. The Diamondbacks' final two games, against Cleveland, will be at Chase Field, which is consistent with the wrap-up of a typical spring training schedule. Every team will have at least one day off during the spring schedule.

Spring training 2022 in Arizona: What fans can expect at all 10 Cactus League stadiums

How many games will they to play?

The Diamondbacks' 22 games are the most in the Cactus League. Other than the Cleveland Guardians, who are scheduled to play 20 games, everyone else is scheduled for between 17 and 19. In Florida, Grapefruit League teams are playing even fewer, with some clubs playing as few as 15 exhibition games.

What does the Diamondbacks' spring training schedule look like?

The Diamondbacks' schedule includes two dates in which they will play two games: April 1 (home vs. the Chicago Cubs, on the road vs. the Guardians) and April 4 (at the Seattle Mariners, at Chase Field vs. the Guardians). They have one off day on March 26.

When do spring training tickets go on sale?

The Diamondbacks announced on Sunday that their Cactus League tickets will go on sale Tuesday. Other teams will also be announcing plans for ticket sales soon; check individual team websites for details.

Come back to azcentral.com for more developments.

Reach Piecoro at (602) 444-8680 or nick.piecoro@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @nickpiecoro.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: MLB lockout ends: What that means for spring training in Arizona