Justin Speier returned to the clubhouse but was not available for Sunday’s game. Manager Mike Scioscia said newly implemented privacy rules prevented him from disclosing a non-baseball related injury or illness. Speier said he had the flu Saturday and was still too weak to pitch Sunday
Because of a national HIPAA privacy rule regarding medical records that went into effect in 2003 (and whose guidelines were made mandatory by Major League Baseball this season), teams are not allowed to talk about a player’s health, outside of on-field injury, unless a consent form is signed.
The new policy often creates awkward moments. Scioscia could not say why Speier was not on hand for Saturday’s game, raising red flags and warning signs of a possible bigger issue.
I’m bound by legal handcuffs. The last time I told you guys I got in trouble, Scioscia said of a reprimand by the league office. If a player wants to tell you and it’s non-baseball related, they even have to sign a waiver to be able to disclose that information so the team isn’t liable that it’s out there. It’s bizarre.