At a time when spring training games were supposed to be underway, negotiations to end the MLB lockout continue.The MLB has said if an agreement is not reached by Monday, the season will likely be delayed.Even if an agreement is reached by Monday, the limited spring training could have a profound impact on players' ability to ramp up for the season.Typically, players need six weeks to get ready for the season. Although six weeks is ideal, four weeks is really the minimum and likely the drop dead date for an agreement to be in place without delaying the season.If players do not get a full six weeks to prepare, the ProBaseballDocs project an increase in soft tissue injuries as a result.Pitchers will be on a stricter pitch count and throw less innings to start the season. This will likely result in teams carrying an extra pitcher, which will add an interesting dynamic to rosters given the reported acceptance of the universal designated hitter.Even though guys are independently working out, it is not the same thing related to baseball readiness.In the COVID-shortened 60-game season in 2020, soft tissue injuries noticeably increased and teams were allowed to carry extra pitchers to decrease the stress on starting pitchers.This season, especially early on, teams could turn to bullpen games more often than usual to decrease the stress of the ramp up on starting pitchers.The lockout and delayed spring training has also prevented communication from team medical staffs and pitchers coming back from injury. Lance McCullers said the lockout has delayed his rehab for the forearm injury that kept him out of a majority of the playoffs last season.Shane Bieber has been throwing with Zach Plesac in Arizona in preparation for the season. Last year, Bieber's season was derailed by a nagging shoulder strain and he could be at increased risk for another soft tissue injury if not given the proper amount of time to prepare for the season with his team.As of now, opening day is scheduled for March 31. If an agreement is not reached by February 28, expect the season to be pushed back.