The Washington Nationals will finally open their season on Tuesday, but they will do so with a patchwork list due to COVID-19 issues.
The Nationals announced that starting pitchers Patrick Corbin and Jon Lester, catchers Yan Gomes and Alex Avila, first baseman Josh Bell, infielders Josh Harrison and Jordy Mercer, left fielder Kyle Schwarber and reliever Brad Hand have been placed. on the disabled list, though none. with a specific injury.
A coronavirus outbreak has sidelined 11 players, four of whom have tested positive for COVID-19, although the team has not disclosed which players have tested positive and which are in the protocols.
With so many players out, the Nationals called seven players, including shortstop Carter Kieboom, to the 26-man roster and signed a contract with 34-year-old wide receiver Jonathan Lucroy as part of a series of personnel moves.
Lucroy will start for Washington on Tuesday and hit eighth as the team prepares to open its season at home against the Atlanta Braves.
In addition to all the roster changes, Washington also placed reliever Will Harris in the 10-day IL with right hand inflammation.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.