The Nationals open their season on Thursday night, but they will do so shorthanded, a harsh reminder that despite the new season COVID-19 still hangs over the game.
General manager Mike Rizzo announced Wednesday a player has tested positive for COVID-19 in a Zoom call with reporters. Rizzo added five other team personnel – including four players – have been deemed close contacts meaning the club could be significantly shorthanded when it opens the season against the Mets.
To try to simplify this:
— Todd Dybas (@Todd_Dybas) March 31, 2021
A Nationals player tested positive from March 29 testing. The Nationals learned this result very early this morning.
As a result, five people — four players and a staff member — are now in quarantine.
All five players involved are out tomorrow.
Rizzo said the Nats will still play on Thursday, and any ineligible players can be replaced by players from the Fredericksburg camp.
Some of the players believed to be headed to Washington catcher Tres Barrera, pitchers Sam Clay and Luis Garcia, and outfielder Yadiel Hernandez.
Last season, when the 2020 campaign began in late July, the Nationals were without star outfielder Juan Soto on Opening Day after he tested positive for COVID-19. He went on to win the National League batting title.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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