Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto pauses while batting during a baseball intrasquad game at Nationals Park, Thursday, July 16, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 7:13 AM PT — Friday, July 24, 2020
A Major League Baseball player tested positive for the coronavirus on the leagues opening day of the 2020 season. On Thursday, the Washington Nationals announced outfielder Juan Soto had contracted COVID-19 and would be missing the season’s opening game.
General Manager Mike Rizzo said Soto was tested earlier this week before playing an exhibition game and was reportedly asymptomatic before receiving his positive test. The team did not include Soto on the initial 30 man roster and, instead, placed him on the COVID-19 injured list.
“Of course, our first priority is to take care of Juan and his family, and then we go in our baseball mode,” said Rizzo. “We make roster moves, we make lineup changes…I think you have to take a business as usual type of approach to it just like any other injury during the season.”
Hey @Nationals #fans, here’s a reminder to #StayAtHome & #WashYourHands. We’re #InItTogether #crushcovid #NATITUDE pic.twitter.com/eTn2PFBF1A
— Juan José Soto Pacheco (@JuanSoto25_) April 10, 2020
Rizzo said Soto will be able to return once he receives two negative COVID-19 tests.
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