Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross opt out of 2020 MLB campaign; Nats & D.C. working on approval for ST 2.0...

Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross were two of the first players in the league to opt out of the 2020 MLB season, with both players’ decisions announced yesterday in advance of Spring Training 2.0, which, for the Washington Nationals, is set to begin on Friday (July 3rd), after players arrive in the nation’s capital for coronavirus testing on Wednesday (July 1st).

Nationals’ GM Mike Rizzo released a statement on the decisions by Zimmerman and Ross on Monday afternoon:

“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 one hundred percent supportive of their decision to not play this year. We will miss their presence in the clubhouse and their contributions on the field.”

Mike Leake too announced his decision to sit out of the proposed 60-game season, which is expected to start on July 23rd, though the coronavirus could have the final say as to if it’s all going to happen. See you next season, Ryan and Joe.

Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Nationals’ Ryan Zimmerman, Joe Ross opt out of 2020 MLB season - (WTOP)
"Zimmerman and Ross are both under one-year contracts; Zimmerman will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2020 season, while Ross will go to arbitration."

Nats’ Ryan Zimmerman, Joe Ross among first MLB players to opt out of 2020 season - (WaPost)
“The announcements from Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Leake, then Ross and Zimmerman — none of whom are known to have medical concerns that would qualify them as high-risk...”

Zimmerman and Ross opting out of 2020 season (updated) - (MASN)
"Ryan Zimmerman, the only person to play in a major league game for the Nationals during each of their 15 seasons in town, will not play for the club during its 16th season."

Zimmerman, Ross elect not to play in 2020 - (MLB.com)
"For the first time in team history, the upcoming Nationals season will not include Ryan Zimmerman. The veteran infielder and right-hander Joe Ross elected not to play in the 2020 season."

Ryan Zimmerman, Joe Ross of Nationals opt out of 2020 season - (Washington Times)
"Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman and right-handed pitcher Joe Ross will opt out of the 2020 Major League Baseball season."

Ryan Zimmerman, Joe Ross opt out of 2020 MLB season - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Washington Nationals icon Ryan Zimmerman and starting pitcher Joe Ross have chosen to opt out of the 2020 season, a source confirmed to NBC Sports Washington."

Also This:

Nationals awaiting D.C. approval to use ballpark for training camp - (WaPost)
“‘The Nationals can’t just go into their stadium and start training,’ a spokesperson for the office of D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) said. ‘They have to get a waiver. They’ve submitted a request for a waiver, but it hasn’t been approved yet.’”

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

NL EAST UPDATES:

Klentak knows restart 'is going to be a challenge' - (MLB.com)
"Still, six players and several staff members there recently tested positive for the virus. A seventh player outside of Clearwater also tested positive."

Brodie Van Wagenen expects ‘everyone’ to attend Mets summer camp - (NY Post)
"When spring training starts again Friday at Citi Field, Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen expects all of the team’s players will be there."

5 reasons to get excited about the Marlins in 2020 - (Fish Stripes)
"If you look at the Marlins’ top prospects, you’ll notice that most of their top guys are very close to making it to the majors."

Inbox: What to expect from Hamels, Félix? - (MLB.com)
"One primary concern about the Braves signing Hamels to a one-year, $18 million deal was the fact his left shoulder was a problem at the end of last season."