Yet another MLB team has had to cancel workouts due to a delay in COVID-19 test results. On Monday morning, the Washington Nationals announced they would not be working out as they await results from tests that were administered on Friday.
Nationals GM: MLB needs to quickly resolve COVID-19 testing issues
General manager Mike Rizzo made it clear that the “health and safety of our players, staff and their families” is of utmost importance. He also sent a strong message to MLB, noting “Major League Baseball needs to work quickly to resolve issues with their process and lab.”
MLB COVID-19 testing not off to a good start
This news comes on the heels of the Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Angels, and two other teams, also dealing with testing issues.
Not surprisingly, Athletics general manager David Forst is very upset with the process.
“I can tell you all what I expressed to Matt (Chapman) earlier today: This has nothing to do with us or our staff,” Forst wrote in a WhatsApp message (h/t The Athletic). “The athletic training and stadium operations staffs here have worked tirelessly to get this incredibly challenging operation up and running. At this point, the blame lies with CDT and MLB and I won’t cover for them like I did earlier today.
“Despite having our schedule a week ahead of time, they didn’t alert us to the possibility of any complications around July Fourth, and once there were issues, they did nothing to communicate that to us or remedy the situation until (A’s head athletic trainer) Nick (Paparesta) and I forced the issue at various times today. If possible, I’m as frustrated and pissed as you are – well, probably not as pissed as Matt is – and I assure you the rest of the staff is as well.”
Needless to say, MLB has its work cut out if the 2020 season is going to actually get off the ground.