Nats could be without key players if they play Monday

A general view of a Washington Nationals player's glove and hat. Patrick McDermott-USA TODAY Sports

Nationals expected to be without several key players if they return to action vs. Braves

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 4/4/21

If the Washington Nationals begin the 2021 season on Monday against the Atlanta Braves, they could be without several key players.

According to Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post, the Nats expect to be without Kyle Schwarber, Jon Lester, Josh Harrison and Alex Avila, among others.

Kyle Schwarber, Josh Harrison, Jon Lester + Alex Avila are among the players the Nationals expect to be w/o if they start early this week, according to people w/ knowledge of the situation. Team hasn’t announced any names/who’s tested positive or quarantining as a close contact.
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) April 4, 2021

Washington currently has nine players in quarantine due to COVID-19 protocols. Four players have reportedly tested positive, while five others were deemed close contacts.

It's unclear if Schwarber, Lester, Harrison and Avila have tested positive for the virus.

The Nationals' weekend series against the New York Mets was postponed due to the outbreak and MLB has still not announced whether or not Washington can play on Monday.

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