The Washington Nationals held their first day of workouts at Nats Park on Friday a week after the MLB and MLBPA agreed on a 60-game shortened 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Nationals players were greeted with several new additions at the ballpark.
The Nationals’ grounds crew mowed “❤️ DC” into the centerfield grass. Along the rim of the batter’s box dirt, the Nationals also added a 2019 World Champions sign in red.
The Nationals began training here today. Earlier this week, the U.S. surpassed 50,000 new daily coronavirus cases for the first time. pic.twitter.com/IHV9OdjIfW
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) July 3, 2020
Another new addition includes a 2019 World Champions logo.
A Sign That Won’t Be Stolen:
New addition to center field at Nats Park. #nats #nationals@nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/Mcn8oeFKbu— dckerNBC4 (@dckerNBC4) July 3, 2020
As for the workout, the MLB Network and the Nationals showed some footage of players working out, including Max Scherzer on the mound.
.@Max_Scherzer on the mound! 😍@Nationals | #MLBTonight pic.twitter.com/eOh9x4DWhn
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 3, 2020
GUESS. WHAT. DAY. IT. IS.#Scherzday // #NATITUDE pic.twitter.com/I1694KvEuf
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 3, 2020
While speaking to the media, the Nationals announced that catcher Welington Castillo became the third player on the team to opt out playing the 2020 season.
Dave Martinez: Catcher Welington Castillo has opted out of playing the 2020 season.
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) July 3, 2020
In a corresponding move, the team added first-round pick Cade Cavalli to the 60-player pool.
Mike Rizzo: First-round pick Cade Cavalli, a right-handed pitcher, has been added to the 60-player pool and is currently on his way to Washington.
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) July 3, 2020
The MLB also announced that 31 players tested positive for COVID-19.
The first set of results for COVID-19 testing have been jointly announced by @MLB and the @MLB_PLAYERS. pic.twitter.com/zlqZPuxLxh
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) July 3, 2020
Headline photo courtesy of @nationals
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