The Washington Nationals’ season won’t start Thursday night, after all.
After a player tested positive for the coronavirus Wednesday — sending four additional players deemed close contacts into quarantine — Washington’s season opener against the New York Mets on Thursday has been postponed, MLB announced. The game won’t be made up on Friday, either.
“Tonight’s scheduled game between the host Washington Nationals and the New York Mets at Nationals Park has been postponed because of ongoing contact tracing involving members of the Nationals organization,” MLB’s statement read. “Out of an abundance of caution, the game will not be made up on Friday.”
General manager Mike Rizzo said Wednesday the Nationals would play, despite one player testing positive and the domino effect of contact tracing. But that won’t be the case, with ESPN’s Jeff Passan reporting that at least one more positive coronavirus case has been discovered, likely leading to MLB’s decision to postpone the contests.
The Nationals underwent additional testing Wednesday after receiving a positive result from their Monday tests. That included the standard MLB test as well as a rapid test.
Washington flew back from spring training in Florida as a team Monday night on a chartered flight. Most of the team was on the flight, although starting pitcher Max Scherzer said he flew separately with his family.
Rizzo said Wednesday the coronavirus issues would require roster moves.
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
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