White Sox-Orioles postponed due to violent protests

BALTIMORE — Major League Baseball commissioner Ron Manfred announced less than one hour before the scheduled first pitch that Monday’s game between the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles was postponed due to violence in the streets of Baltimore.

Manfred said it is possible the rest of the series could be played at another site. Manfred previously was scheduled to be at Monday’s game to talk to both teams. He is touring various parks in his first year as commissioner.

During batting practice, CNN broadcast shots of youths throwing objects at Baltimore police about 3.6 miles northwest of Camden Yards in another day of protests in the death of Freddie Gray, who died while in City of Baltimore police custody on April 19.

The funeral for Gray, 25, was held Monday morning at a church in Baltimore.

“They are all aware of what is going on,” Orioles manager Buck Showalter said, referring to his players.

At about 5:15 p.m. Eastern time, White Sox manager Robin Ventura was asked whether the discussion with Manfred included the possibility of postponing Monday’s game.

“That was not brought up,” Ventura said.

But less than one hour later, the game was postponed.