Nationals-Phillies postponed amidst COVID-19 outbreak

Wednesday’s game between the Nationals and Phillies has been postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak among Washington players and coaches. 

The news of an outbreak comes after Washington’s Trea Turner departed Tuesday’s game in the first inning, when his COVID-19 test came back positive. Turner was pulled after scoring a run in the top of the first, but the game continued. 

According to manager Dave Martinez, the Nats have 12 positive tests, four belonging to players.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the outbreak “may wind up as (the) biggest in MLB this year.

MLB announced the teams will play a straight double-header Thursday beginning at 12 p.m. EST.

Trea Turner hit a single in Tuesday night's game, then was later removed after a positive COVID-19 test.
Trea Turner hit a single in Tuesday night’s game, then was later removed after a positive COVID-19 test.
AP Photo

Per The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the Nationals reached the 85% vaccination threshold for relaxed COVID-19 protocols, but MLB took extra caution with the game easily being rescheduled.

The outbreak could present complications ahead of the MLB trade deadline, which looms at 4 pm on Friday. The Nationals have a number of players, including Turner and three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer, who have drawn interest from teams around the league. 

This marks the second outbreak the Nationals have endured this season. Washington was forced to postpone the first four games of its season due to COVID-19, including a season-opening three game series against the Mets.

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