Astros' Greinke: 'It's nice not having fans in the stands'
Houston Astros right-hander Zack Greinke hasn't exactly minded the empty ballpark stands during the 2020 Major League Baseball season.
"For me, it's nice not having fans in the stands," Greinke said, according to ESPN's Pedro Gomez. "Because there's no one trying to talk to you and ask for autographs and wanting to take pictures and all that stuff. I don't like any of that stuff."
Fans have been prohibited from attending games due to regulations adopted in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some spectators have been allowed back in attendance for the NLCS in Arlington, Texas.
Greinke, 36, has long been open about his social anxiety disorder, a condition he was diagnosed with in 2006 as a member of the Kansas City Royals.
While he's enjoyed the quiet moments at the ballpark, it doesn't mean the season itself has been a blast for the veteran right-hander. Greinke was finally able to see his family once the Astros arrived in San Diego for the ALCS against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Zack Greinke and his teammates finally get to see their families in San Diego: “It’s a lot better. This year was easily the least fun season of my career. Hopefully, the rules aren’t so strict next year. It’s actually been pretty good since we got here.” pic.twitter.com/gz8baxQafZ
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) October 13, 2020
Despite not exactly enjoying the year, Greinke was his usual effective self on the mound. He went 3-3 in 12 starts and posted a 2.80 FIP despite recording a 4.04 ERA.
Greinke is slated to start Game 4 of the ALCS on Wednesday opposite Rays right-hander Tyler Glasnow.