Some MLB Players Opting Out

June 30, 2020 3:43 am

WASHINGTON (AP) – The reigning World Series champion Washington Nationals will be without at least two holdovers from last year’s team. Longtime infielder Ryan Zimmerman and pitcher Joe Ross are opting out of playing as Major League Baseball tries to get back amid the COVID-19 pandemic.    General manager Mike Rizzo says the team supports Zimmerman and Ross deciding not to play the 60-game season that’s set to start in late July.   Zimmerman says his family situation factored into his decision. His mother is at high risk for the coronavirus because of multiple sclerosis, and he has three young children including a newborn. The 35-year-old says the decision doesn’t mean he’s retiring. Meanwhile,  Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Mike Leake is also opting out due to concerns about the coronavirus.   Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen did not elaborate on Leake’s decision during a Zoom call, but the pitcher’s agent issued a statement saying he made a personal decision not to play during the pandemic.   Hazen also said two players on Arizona’s 60-man roster tested positive for COVID-19, as did another player not in Arizona.