The Washington Nationals finally will get to start their season Tuesday following COVID-19 issues that postponed their first four games. The club announced its 26-man Opening Day roster shortly before they take the field against the Atlanta Braves.
A host of notable players were left off the roster and placed on the injured list. Led by starting pitchers Patrick Corbin, Jon Lester and reliever Brad Hand, the Nationals added catchers Alex Avila and Yan Gomes, first baseman Josh Bell, infielders Josh Harrison and Jorday Mercer and outfielder Kyle Schwarber to the IL.
Washington also placed reliever Will Harris on the 10-day IL with inflammation in his right hand.
The notable names added to the Opening Day roster that previously was not projected to be there were catchers Tres Barrera and Jonathan Lucroy, who signed with the club on Saturday, infielders Luis Garcia and Carter Kieboom, outfield Cody Wilson and pitchers Ryan Harper, Sam Clay and Kyle McGowin.
Four Nationals players have tested positive for COVID-19 and another seven were quarantined after being deemed close contacts. The team has not indicated which players are affected.
