Nats players returning to D.C. for Spring Training 2.0

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The boys are back in town. 

The World Series champion Washington Nationals are getting most of the band back together for the (potential) 60-game 2020 MLB Season.

Of course, there are still some other benchmarks MLB needs to pass before the season starts, but D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said this week the Nationals' waiver to begin training (and eventually host games) at the ballpark without fans would be approved.
And the players are arriving in the city. On Tuesday Adam Eaton posted a picture of Nats Park, writing, "Hello old friend..." 
Hello old friend... #nationals #mlb
A post shared by Adam Eaton (@adam_eaton2) on Jun 30, 2020 at 5:43pm PDT
Eaton told 106.7 The Fan's Chad Dukes many of the players are excited about returning for the shortened season. 

"As a team, we're excited because how close-knit that we became all throughout last year," Eaton said on 106.7 The Fan. "And I think to be successful in a 60-game sprint, you're really gonna have to have a group of guys that just does not give a crap about anything besides baseball. And I think our clubhouse has that close-knit, you know, group mentality where we're gonna sacrifice everything, there's gonna be a lot of hotels, Xbox, Playstation, and, you know, baseball is basically gonna be it. Try to stay away from everything as possible, try to stay as healthy as possible."

Max Scherzer's wife, Erica, posted pictures of the entire family's flight back to D.C.
We made it to DC! So many unknowns ahead but grateful the girls and I get to watch the man we love play the game he loves so much. Now everyone wear your masks and social distance so we can make sure and have baseball this year!
A post shared by Erica Scherzer (@emaysway) on Jun 30, 2020 at 10:01am PDT
And pitcher Aaron Barrett was out at the park Wednesday wearing a sweet looking mask.

Hey teammates! @Nationals @MLB #WereBack pic.twitter.com/Brt0KXcEaV

— Aaron Barrett (@aaronbarrett30) July 1, 2020

Of course, not all the Nationals will be returning to D.C.

Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross said they are opting out of the season. Zimmerman explained his decision is based on the health and safety of his family.

"After a great deal of thought and given my family circumstances - three young children, including a newborn, and a mother at high risk - I have decided not to participate in the 2020 season," Zimmerman said in a statement.

"Of course I would love to pursue back-to-back titles," the statement read. "I cannot speak for anyone else, but given the unusual nature of the season, this is the best decision for me and my family, and I truly appreciate the organizations' understanding and support."

Oh, and Anthony Rendon, a hero of the World Series, signed with the Los Angeles Angels in free agency.
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Adam Eaton caught up with Chad Dukes to talk about experiencing his first summer with his family and what he's been up to (0:10):

Follow @BenKrimmel and @1067theFan on Twitter.