Monday’s scheduled series opener between the Atlanta Braves and Nationals has been postponed as Washington continues to break out of a coronavirus, sources told ESPN’s Buster Olney.
The hope is that the teams will play at Nationals Park on Tuesday, sources said if things go well with the COVID-19 situation in Washington.
Four Nationals players tested positive for COVID-19 last week and were isolated, while a total of seven are now under quarantine because contact detection determined they could have been exposed to the disease.
General manager Mike Rizzo said earlier Sunday that none of the 11 – most, though not all, of whom would be on the opening day roster – would be available Monday. Rizzo did not identify any of the players involved or the two staff members placed in quarantine due to the possible public exposure.
Washington has yet to play a game this season; the opening game of three games against the New York Mets on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday has been postponed.
Drew Smyly would start playing for the Braves 0-3 for the first time after being swept in Philadelphia. Max Scherzer would start in the opening game against the Mets in Washington.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.