After the first four games were postponed due to the positive Covid-19 Tests in the organization, the Nationals announced their roster for the start of the season. It is said that four players from the Nationals tested positive, while several more in the organization are considered close contacts who also go through protocol. Tuesday’s announcement was accompanied by a dizzying array of grid moves, including the placement of catchers Yan Gomes and Alex Avila; left-handed Patrick Corbin, Brad Hand and Jon Lester; inlanders Josh Harrison and Jordy Mercer; first baseman Josh Bell; and fielder Kyle Schwarber on the Covid-19 related injured list. Right-handed Will Harris was also placed on the ten-day injured list following his recent procedure to address a blood clot.
In a series of similar grid movements, the Nats catcher remembers Tres Barrera; right-handers Ryne Harper and Kyle McGowin; inlanders Carter Kieboom and Luis Garcia; left Sam Clay; and fielder Yadiel Hernandez from their alternative training site. Washington also selected veteran catcher contracts Jonathan Lucroy and fielder Cody Wilson. Wilson has been specifically named as a ‘replacement’, indicating that he could be removed from the squad and sent back to the minors without clearing the waiver as the players of the Nationals involved are cleared to return.
The Nationals’ Opening Day rankings contain short stops Trea Turner – a welcome development after Turner was absent from yesterday’s training session with the team. The manager, Dave Martinez, tells reporters that Turner was not selected yesterday to be on the field (Twitter link via the Washington Post’s Jesse Dougherty), so it looks like he cleared minutes this morning. Turner will be penetrated by the opening day by Ryan Zimmerman, Hernan Perez (on second) and Starlin Castro (by third). The Nats will give Andrew Stevenson the nod in the left field next door Victor Robles and Juan Soto, while Lucroy pulls the catch behind the board and catches Max Scherzer.
The Nationals will make up the postponed game against the Braves in the double header tomorrow. It is not yet clear when they will pick up their three postponed games against the Mets, although they are competitive rivals, the remaining part of the season’s schedule will provide enough opportunities to play those games.