The MLB's Umpires Association issued a statement on Thursday supporting MLB's health and safety protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic after umpire Joe West said "I don’t believe in my heart that all these deaths have been from the coronavirus."

"Recent public comments about the current coronavirus pandemic do not in any way reflect the position of the Major League Baseball Umpires Association," the MLBUA said in a statement. "Our nation, and our world, has suffered greatly from this deadly virus. In the midst of continued suffering, umpires are attempting to do our part to bring the great game of baseball back onto the field and into the homes of fans everywhere."

West will return for his 42nd season in 2020. West is 65 games shy of setting the record for most regular-season games as a major-league umpire.