PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Mike Leake and Washington Nationals teammates Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross are the first known players to opt out of the 2020 season because of concerns about the coronavirus.
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said Zimmerman, a longtime infielder for the team, and Ross, a 27-year-old right-hander, opted out “for the personal health and safety of themselves and their loved ones.” Rizzo added that the team supports their decisions.
Zimmerman said in a statement his family situation factored into his decision. His mother is at high risk for complications from the coronavirus because she has multiple sclerosis, and he has three young children, including a newborn.