Notes: Nats hold workout; roster outlook

WASHINGTON -- A common theme of looking ahead, playing together and focusing on winning was echoed on Monday afternoon at Nationals Park as the Nats held their second team workout in as many days.

“It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish,” Juan Soto said.

“You can’t cry about situations," Max Scherzer added. "Everybody’s dealt a hand, and you just got to play it.”

“We’re going to get through it together," Ryan Zimmerman said. "We’ll be ready tomorrow."

The Nationals are scheduled to open their 2021 season at 4:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday at home against the Braves after the Nats' three-game series against the Mets was postponed. Four Washington players have tested positive for COVID-19, and an additional seven players and two staff members are in quarantine due to contact tracing. In total, 11 players are unavailable.

“They’re doing fine,” manager Dave Martinez said. “These guys are so anxious to get back. I’m sure they’re going to be glued to that TV tomorrow, watching us play.”

Roster outlook
The Nats are not expected to announce their 26-man roster until Tuesday, and the names of the affected players are not being released. The team is filling roster vacancies from its alternate training site in Fredericksburg, Va., and there were several players from that group at Monday’s workout.

“Their intensity was beyond what I thought it would be today,” Martinez said.

Position players participating in drills included Ryan Zimmerman at first base; Luis García and Carter Kieboom at second base (Martinez said García likely will be the starting second baseman on Tuesday); Starlin Castro at third base; Hernán Pérez and Adrián Sanchez at shortstop; Juan Soto, Victor Robles, Andrew Stevenson, Yadiel Hernandez and Cody Wilson in the outfield; and Tres Barrera and Raudy Read behind the plate.

“I truly believe we’re going to be fine,” Martinez said. “We knew, at some point in time, that [players from the alternate training site] were going to help us throughout this year. It happened to be a little earlier than expected, but they look good. ... I know they’re going to help us. This is who we are. Some of the young guys get an opportunity to go out there, play on a big league level -- we’re excited about that.”

Starting pitcher-catcher duo
Scherzer is still slated to make his sixth Opening Day start in seven years on Tuesday. He threw a light bullpen on Friday as part of maintaining his daily training routine. Scherzer, who is 10-9 with a 3.95 ERA over his career against the Braves, will face off against left-hander Drew Smyly.

“I was pretty much able to keep my arm where it needs to be,” Scherzer said. “I feel good, I feel ready -- just anxious to get pitching. This is going to be fun.”

Neither Yan Gomes nor Alex Avila was seen on the field during Monday’s workout, and there is a possibility Scherzer could be caught by a new teammate on Tuesday. The Nationals are awaiting the saliva test results for 11-year veteran Jonathan Lucroy, who was with the White Sox in Spring Training. Martinez said Lucroy has been doing prep work on the Braves and studying video of Scherzer.

“Right now, he’s biting at the bit to get his results back,” Martinez said. “I know he’s been working out at home in hopes of getting picked up with a team, and we called him up and he’s with us now.”

What’s next?
The Nationals will make up Monday’s postponed game against the Braves on Wednesday as part of a seven-inning doubleheader. The first game will be played at 12:05 p.m. ET. Stephen Strasburg will start one of the games -- though which one is still to be determined. The Nats are exploring their options for the other starter, which could be Joe Ross, Erick Fedde or a bullpen day. Those who have tickets for Wednesday can attend one or both games.