Nationals cancel workout for Monday
WASHINGTON -- The Nationals cancelled their workout on Monday because the team had not received the results of its COVID-19 tests from Friday. Tests are conducted every other day.
Mike Rizzo, president of baseball operations and general manager, issued the following statement:
“Per MLB’s protocol, all players and staff were tested for COVID-19 on Friday, July 3. Seventy-two hours later, we have yet to receive the results of those tests. We cannot have our players and staff work at risk. Therefore, we have cancelled our team workout scheduled for this morning.
“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. Major League Baseball needs to work quickly to resolve issues with their process and their lab. Otherwise, Summer Camp and the 2020 Season are at risk.”
Manager Dave Martinez announced Sunday that two players had tested positive for COVID-19 on their intake tests. They have not been to Nationals Park. Players who test positive must be symptom-free for 72 hours and test negative twice at least 24 hours apart in order to report to the stadium.