The Washington Nationals' Thursday home opener against the New York Mets has been postponed due to Covid-19 concerns, according to multiple media reports.
The news comes just hours before the first pitch of the 2021 season and one day after the team announced one player had tested positive and five other team personnel had been deemed close contacts.
The team confirmed the postponement due to "ongoing contract tracing involving members of the Nationals organization" and confirmed the game will not be played Friday "out of an abundance of caution."
The Athletic's Brittany Ghiroli reported the Nationals have two positive tests and the situation is fluid. The Washington Post's Jesse Dougherty said the team is still waiting for Wednesday's PCR results to come back from the lab.
On Washington, Washington general manager Mike Rizzo announced an unnamed player had tested positive for Covid-19, but the plan was to still move forward with the game. The Nats were ready to call up players from their camp in Fredericksburg. However, it appears that plan was derailed over the next 18 hours.
The two teams are due to play next on Saturday at 4:05 p.m. but that game could be postponed, as well. Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom were the scheduled Opening Day starters.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, there are fears within the Nationals organization that “at least one more positive” test followed Wednesday’s case.
This is the second straight year Washington has dealt with a COVID-19 issue to start the season. Outfielder Juan Soto missed the 2020 season opener after testing positive.
Follow @BenKrimmel for the latest.
Commanders Offseason Evaluation Post NFL Draft