The Toronto Blue Jays are working to find a Major League ballpark to use this year.

Canada's government barred the club from playing in its home stadium amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Blue Jays begin the season at the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday and are scheduled to play their first home game on July 29 against the defending champion Washington Nationals.

Anthony Bass, a veteran right-hander, said he spoke with Ross Atkins and emphasized that players prefer a Major League stadium.

"I just said, 'Look, we want to play in a major league ballpark. We feel that's the best opportunity for us,' and he agreed and said, 'I listened to you guys loud and clear and that's what we're going to do for you because that's what the team wants,'" Bass said.