Major League Baseball has elected to postpone a National League showdown featuring the Philadelphia Phillies and the Washington Nationals. League decisions made the tough decision after learning four players and eight Washington staffers tested positive for COVID-19.
“I’m just worried about the guys, I really am,” Washington Nationals Manager Dave Martinez said.
“It’s been a tough go; this doesn’t make it any easier.”
Initial reports suggest that Trea Turner tested positive, but Martinez did not name the other three players that tested positive. However, he did say that all but one of the four players had been vaccinated.
“I encourage people to get vaccinated,” Martinez said.
“It does help. I’m seeing it firsthand. It’s basically a small head cold, but they’re doing fine.”
The Phillies and Nationals are expected to play a doubleheader on Thursday. To fill out the team’s roster, Martinez plans to call up a few minor league players.
“We’re going to have to add, I’m sure,” he said.
“I’m sure I’ll be talking to [GM Mike Rizzo] all night long.”
This is not terribly uncommon for Major League Baseball in the age of COVID-19. Last season, 45 games were rescheduled due to COVID-19 outbreaks. Fortunately, only two of those 45 games were canceled.
