The Washington Nationals have voted not to make the trip to Miami for an upcoming three-game series against the Marlins, per The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, amid a COVID-19 outbreak.
While the Nationals are still focused on their ongoing series against the Toronto Blue Jays, the team is already thinking about the risks of playing in Miami after 15 players and two coaches tested positive for the coronavirus.
Washington Nationals players vote against traveling to Miami amid COVID-19 outbreak
The Nationals have already been exposed to the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Star outfielder Juan Soto tested positive hours before Opening Day and has expressed his frustrations with the difficult process required to return.
Amid hearing about Soto’s experiences and seeing 15 players on the Marlins test positive for the coronavirus, a majority of the Nationals don’t want to make the trip to Miami. However, per Rosenthal, the decision is in MLB’s hands.
Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred is insistent on games being played despite the Marlins’ COVID-19 outbreak. But with nearly an entire team making it clear they don’t feel safe playing in Miami, the league would be wise to actually ensure the safety of its players.
MLB could move the three-game series to Nationals Park and treat it like a home game for Miami. But, the Marlins still must find a way to replace 15 players on their 30-man roster so they can field a team for the series.
Ultimately, these issues are why many questioned if playing baseball in the pandemic was safe. Despite those concerns and the recent developments, it seems likely MLB will keep pushing forward.