Notes: Camargo activated; pitching plans
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Johan Camargo has been added to the Braves’ active roster to account for the absence of Ehire Adrianza, who will remain away from the team until he clears COVID-19 protocols.
Adrianza had to leave Philadelphia to satisfy a personal matter on Friday. The utility infielder returned before Saturday afternoon’s game against the Phillies. But he will sit on the team’s COVID-19 injured list until it is deemed he avoided exposure to the coronavirus. There is no minimum or maximum stay on this list.
Camargo was part of the five-man taxi squad that accompanied the Braves on this season-opening road trip. So, because he was already in Philadelphia, the Braves could recall and activate him without him having to go through any precautionary testing.
Adrianza won a bench spot as he flourished with both the bat and glove during Spring Training. Camargo has struggled to find success since he was pushed to a backup role in 2019. His struggles during the Grapefruit League season prevented him from landing a spot on Atlanta’s Opening Day roster.
Plan to play: Braves manager Brian Snitker said he is still planning to begin a three-game series at Nationals Park on Monday. The Nationals had to postpone this weekend’s series against the Mets because four players tested positive for COVID-19 and a total of nine players, including those who tested positive, were placed in quarantine.
“Until I hear otherwise, we’re keeping everything as normal with the preparation and whatnot,” Snitker said. “As of right now, we’re leaving tomorrow and we’re going to play Monday.”
If the Nationals are ready to play on Monday, they would send Max Scherzer to the mound for what would be their Opening Day game. He would match up against Atlanta’s Drew Smyly.
Tuesday’s bullpen game: Snitker said he is planning to go with a bullpen game on Tuesday and send Max Fried to the mound with an extra day of rest for Wednesday’s series finale against the Nationals.
Charlie Morton would also have an extra day of rest if the schedule keeps him in line to start Friday night’s home opener against the Phillies.