GM: Nats in 'good shape' as training resumes
The Washington Nationals resumed workouts Friday at summer training camp as they prepare for a repeat bid made extra challenging by the coronavirus pandemic.
2020 ScheduleAll times ET
2020 Schedule
0-0, 1st in NL East
Catcher Castillo becomes third Nat to opt out
Catcher Wellington Castillo becomes third National to opt out, joining Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross.
Marly Rivera ESPN Writer
ESPN has learned that more than half of all intake testing is almost complete as MLB prepares for preseason workouts to officially resume tomorrow. General information about the results will be released in the next 24-48 hours, but will not have identifying factors in order to protect players' privacy. As previously reported, COVID-19 related information won't be disclosed without players' permission.
BBTN: Matt Vasgersian on unrealistic under the health protocols; Todd Radom mourns the loss of the minor league season
Matt Vasgersian joins Buster to discuss the possibility of calling Sunday Night Baseball at home, Sean Doolittle’s apprehension of playing, continued mistrust between the players and MLB, what seems unrealistic under the health and safety protocols, and field mics (4:01). Plus, Todd Radom drops by to mourn the loss of the minor league season, talk Tropicana Field and administer the weekly quiz (27:36).
Marly Rivera ESPN Writer
Manager Luis Rojas confirms Mets hitting coach Chili Davis will be working remotely. Rojas also said all Mets players have reported to "summer camp" and are currently undergoing the intake and COVID-19 testing process.
Marly Rivera ESPN Writer
In a statement to ESPN, MLB said it wouldn't disclose COVID-19 related information without an individual's permission. MLB does plan to publish general testing information, for example, number of tests and positive results, but with no player names or identifying characteristics.
These World Series champs would have missed the playoffs in a 60-game season
Last year's Nationals are one of several teams that would have missed out on a title under the format MLB will use this season.
Everything you need to know as MLB's 2020 season restart begins
Spring training 2.0 ... or summer camp? No matter what you call it, baseball's road back to the field starts today. Here's what you need to get up to speed.
Marly Rivera ESPN Writer
MLB statement to ESPN regarding teams not naming players that test positive for coronavirus: "Because COVID-19 is not considered an employment-related injury, we will respect the privacy of the players who test positive or who are under evaluation, and we will defer to their wishes regarding public updates about their status. Without their voluntary permission, we will not disclose any COVID-19 related information."
BBTN: Tim Kurkjian and Buster discuss Ian Desmond opting out of the playing the season
Tim Kurkjian joins Buster to name-drop his meetings with presidents and trips to the White House (7:07). Then the guys discuss the players who have opted out of the season, the need for complete transparency with testing results, Ian Desmond's decision not to play and his thoughts on race in baseball, and changes that need to be made to make baseball more accessible.
MLB Stock Watch: How much has changed for all 30 teams since we saw them last
Teams are coming back for a 60-game sprint of a season. How much has baseball's 100-day interruption shaken up expectations?
Nats' Zimmerman won't play in '20, citing family
Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman and pitcher Joe Ross have opted out of the 2020 season "for the personal health and safety of themselves and their loved ones," the team announced Monday.
Marly Rivera ESPN Writer
Washington Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo: “Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross have decided not to participate in the 2020 season for the personal health and safety of themselves and their loved ones. We are 100% supportive of their decision to not play this year."
MLB prospects to watch from each team's 60-man pool
Some of the game's biggest prospects, such as Wander Franco and Jo Adell, will be in MLB camps this week. Here's who to watch on every team.
Sources: Nationals to host Yanks on Opening Day
The matchup between the defending champion Nationals and the Yankees, this year's co-favorite, is set to take place on Opening Day at Nationals Park, although MLB has yet to finalize an official schedule.
BBTN: A's reliever Jake Diekman on deciding to play despite being high-risk for COVID-19
A's reliever Jake Diekman joins Buster to discuss his decision to play despite being high-risk for coronavirus. Diekman discusses why he didn't consider opting out, players policing their bubble and pitching relief with no crowd (2:20). Then, Eireann Dolan, wife of Nationals reliever Sean Doolittle, hops on to talk about her concerns living under the baseball umbrella after growing up with respiratory issues, and MLB making players decide between salary and service time and family members who are high risk (13:12). Plus, Todd Radom on the Rogers Centre and the weekly quiz (27:02).
MLB predictions: Who will thrive, struggle in 60-game season?
No one knows what will transpire in this year's unique format, but that didn't keep us from making our picks for MVP, the team to beat and more.
Marly Rivera ESPN Writer
When players report to the second "spring training," they will be required to undergo “intake screenings,” which will include a COVID-19 saliva test and a COVID-19 antibodies blood test. All players will be tested for COVID-19 at least every other day during the season, or more frequently if deemed necessary.
Marly Rivera ESPN Writer
Important MLB deadlines this week: All player transactions that were suspended during the “Transaction Freeze” that was a part of the March agreement will resume tomorrow, Friday, June 26th, at 12pm ET. By 4pm ET on Sunday, June 28th, each club must submit to MLB a list of up to 60 players who will be eligible to play during the 2020 season.
The challenges of MLB's safety protocols (0:43)
A .400 hitter? 30 wins to make the playoffs? How wild a 60-game season could really get
Baseball is about to embark on its shortest season ever, so we look at just how weird 2020's stats could be.
Besides the Yankees and Dodgers, who can win it all in 2020? (1:16)
Marly Rivera ESPN Writer
Players have agreed to report by July 1st but MLB understands that some of them may not be able to meet that timeline because of immigration or other travel reasons.
Marly Rivera ESPN Writer
MLB's 60-game schedule will largely feature divisional play (~40 games); rest of games will be against the opposite league's corresponding geographical division (AL East v NL East; AL Central v NL Central; AL West v NL West). Commissioner Manfred: “Major League Baseball is thrilled to announce that the 2020 season is on the horizon. We have provided the Players Association with a schedule to play 60 games and are excited to provide our great fans with Baseball again soon.”
Marly Rivera ESPN Writer
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that Major League Baseball anticipates beginning its 2020 regular season approximately one month from today, on July 23rd or July 24th.
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2020 NL East Standings
| TEAM | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | 0 | 0 | .000 | - | - |
| Washington | 0 | 0 | .000 | - | - |
| New York | 0 | 0 | .000 | - | - |
| Philadelphia | 0 | 0 | .000 | - | - |
| Miami | 0 | 0 | .000 | - | - |
Team Stats
- Pitching
- Batting
Earned Run Average4.2713th
Quality Starts872nd
WHIP1.2912th
BAA.2448th
Runs8736th
Batting Average.2656th
On Base Percentage.3422nd
Slugging Percentage.4547th