WASHINGTON — Washington Nationals slugger Juan Soto tested positive for COVID-19 and was put on the injured list Thursday, forcing him to miss the start of the pandemic-delayed season.
"You feel bad for him. He's a great player. The fans want to see him. And it affects our lineup," Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said as he announced Soto's test less than five hours before the 2019 World Series champions were scheduled to host the New York Yankees on opening day.
"But what can you do about it?" Rizzo said. "You've got to play ball. ... We're going to have to win without our best guy.