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Nationals workout canceled over delayed coronavirus test results

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The Washington Nationals canceled their scheduled Monday workout ahead of the planned abbreviated MLB season, citing delays in coronavirus test results and concerns for players’ health.

All the team’s players and staff underwent testing Friday but some have yet to receive the results, according to general manager Mike Rizzo.

“We cannot have our players and staff work at risk,” Rizzo said, according to The Associated Press. “We will not sacrifice the health and safety of our players, staff and their families. Without accurate and timely testing it is simply not safe for us to continue with summer camp.”

On Sunday, pitcher Sean Doolittle expressed concerns about the length of testing turnaround as well as the lack of personal protective equipment provided to the team.

“The individual efforts have been great so far but we can’t rely solely on individuals. The efforts have to be structural as well,” Doolittle tweeted.

Two players tested positive in the middle of last week, neither of whom reported to Nationals Park, according to manager Dave Martinez. Another 60, he said, are still waiting for their results.

“Obviously, this is all new for everybody,” Martinez told the AP. “We’ve hit some bumpy roads. But they’re doing the best they can. I know they are. They’re working on cleaning everything up. We’re in a very, very different situation. No one’s ever done this before. So I know they’re working out all the bugs.”

Three of the team’s players so far — first baseman Ryan Zimmerman, pitcher Joe Ross and catcher Welington Castillo — have opted out of playing this season, the AP said 

Tags Coronavirus Washington Nationals

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