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Cincinnati Reds to extend netting to end of dugouts

By The Sports Xchange
Cincinnati Reds Twitter
Cincinnati Reds Twitter

The Cincinnati Reds announced Thursday that the protective netting at Great American Ball Park will be extended to the end of both dugouts after the season.

The Reds' announcement mentioned that the additional netting, which is expected to be in place for 2018 Opening Day, will go beyond the Major League Baseball's guidelines. The Reds said they have already met the recommended standards.

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The announcement comes one day after a young girl was struck in the face by a foul ball at Yankee Stadium in New York.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that the Reds had the intention of expanding its protective netting before Wednesday's incident.

Major League Baseball issued recommendations for screens or protective netting in December 2015, encouraging teams to have it between the ends of the dugouts closest to home plate.

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred issued a statement Thursday, calling the events of Wednesday "extremely upsetting."

"Over the past few seasons MLB has worked with our clubs to expand the amount of netting in our ballparks," Manfred said. "In light of yesterday's event, we will redouble our efforts on this important issue."

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The New York Mets extended protective netting beyond the outfield ends of the dugouts after this year's All-Star break. The Yankees said in an August statement that they "are seriously exploring extending the netting prior to the 2018 season."

According to Yahoo! Sports, only 10 of the 30 teams are in compliance with Major League Baseball's recommendation.

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