Following the lead of an announcement from Major League Baseball earlier Thursday, Minor League Baseball announced that it would delay the start of its season.

That means the Rocket City Trash Pandas won’t be playing their first game on April 9 and most likely won’t be playing its much-awaited home opener at Toyota Field on April 15. The team said in a tweet Thursday afternoon that it was “continuing with our timeline and preparations” for the first home game to be played as scheduled.

As of now, we are continuing with our timeline and preparations for our April 15th Opening Night as planned.



We will provide additional information as it becomes available from Minor League Baseball. https://t.co/U4uBG9mTvX — Rocket City Trash Pandas (@trashpandas) March 12, 2020

Related: Countdown is on: 1 year from today until first Trash Pandas game in Madison

As sports leagues around the country announce temporary shutdowns amid concerns of the coronavirus spread, Major League Baseball suspended its ongoing spring training and delayed the start of its season at least two weeks to April 9.

The shutdown of preseason practice also affects its minor league affiliates, whose players will be shut down as well.

“In light of the current coronavirus outbreak, and after consultation with medical professionals and our partners at Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball will delay the start of the 2020 Championship Season," Minor League Baseball said in a statement Thursday. "We will continue to monitor the developments and will announce additional information about the 2020 season at a later date. We will work with Major League Baseball and our community partners to resume play as soon as it is safe to do so. The health and safety of Minor League Baseball fans, players and executives is our top priority, and our thoughts are with those around the world who have been affected by this outbreak.”

The Trash Pandas have been the buzz of north Alabama for two years since plans to bring professional baseball back to the area came into focus. The team played last season in Mobile as the BayBears.

A name-the-team contest drew a record number of online votes for such minor league promotions, the Trash Pandas said, and merchandise sales have also topped $2 million before the team plays its first game.

A book has also been published about the formation of the Trash Pandas.

Trash Pandas CEO Ralph Nelson has also touted newly-completed Toyota Field as the best minor league stadium in the country. Former all-star shortstop Jay Bell is the team’s first manager.

Updated today, March 12, 2020, at 4:29 p.m. with tweet from Trash Pandas.