Where Blue Jays may play 2020 homes games after Canada ruled out Toronto

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The Boston Red Sox are scheduled to visit the Toronto Blue Jays in August -- but it likely won't be in Toronto.

Canada's federal government denied the Blue Jays permission to play games in Toronto this season due to concerns about COVID-19. That means the team needs a home stadium for 2020, and other major league teams apparently are considering sharing their stadiums with the Blue Jays -- including the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Pirates acknowledged in a statement Monday they have discussed hosting Blue Jays home games at PNC Park in 2020.

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"This will be a monumental challenge for our staff, but leaning in to help others is what Pittsburghers do best," the Pirates' statement read. "If we are able to safely accommodate, not only will it bring additional international attention to our city, it will also bring with it jobs and revenue for local hotels, restaurants and other businesses that will support the Blue Jays organization as well as additional visiting teams."

Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said Monday the team would "much rather" play their home games in a major league park. If they're unable to find a willing partner, though, they'd likely host games at the club's Triple-A affiliate home field in Buffalo.

The Blue Jays' first home game is July 29 against the Washington Nationals, so they have a little over a week to find a home for the 2020 season. If it's Pittsburgh, that would give the Red Sox an excuse to visit the gorgeous PNC park for the American League East foes' three-game series from Aug. 25 to 27.

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