Nationals season opener set for Tuesday amid player infections, quarantines

The Washington Nationals’ first game of the season is now set for Tuesday after MLB announced the team had no new positive coronavirus tests following an outbreak late last week. 

“The most recent round of test results of Nationals personnel included no new positives,” the league said Sunday night. “All of (Washington’s) eligible personnel will be able to participate in baseball activities at Nationals Park on Monday.”

The Nationals’ opening day game against the Mets last Thursday was postponed after a player tested positive for the virus. 

The Associated Press reported that four Nationals players are now isolating after testing positive for COVID-19 over the past week. Seven other players and two staff members are under quarantine due to possible exposure. None of the players or staff members have been identified, according to the AP.

The news service added that the Nationals’ general manager, Mike Rizzo, said Sunday that most of the 11 players would have been on the opening day roster.

Rizzo also said that position players haven’t worked out in a week.

“And pitchers haven’t thrown any competitive pitch in that same period of time. It’s something that we’re taking very seriously here,” he said. “We’re thinking of creative ways under the protocol and under the guidance to get these guys as ready as possible.” 

Two games between the Nationals and Mets were also canceled late last week. 

The Nats were slated to begin their season on Monday against the Atlanta Braves, but MLB announced earlier on Sunday the team would have to wait another day before beginning the season. 

Major League Baseball has not announced makeup dates for the postponed Nationals games against the Mets.