Nationals reinstate several players ahead of Dodgers series

Washington Nationals catcher Alex Avila (6) walks to the field during spring training workouts at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Nationals reinstate several players ahead of series vs. Dodgers

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 4/9/21

The Washington Nationals reinstated closer Brad Hand, infielder Jordy Mercer and catchers Alex Avila and Yan Gomes from the injured list, the team announced ahead of Friday's matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

We've reinstated C Alex Avila, C Yan Gomes, LHP Brad Hand and INF Jordy Mercer from the Injured List.

// https://t.co/ymtjbw4QF2 pic.twitter.com/DsYxDNnyAm
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) April 9, 2021

Those four were among nine players placed on the injured list due to the team's COVID-19 outbreak. First baseman Josh Bell, infielder Josh Harrison, outfielder Kyle Schwarber and pitchers Patrick Corbin and Jon Lester remain on the IL.

The Nationals were forced to postpone their first four games of the season due to the outbreak and returned to play earlier this week against the Atlanta Braves.

Washington is 1-2 on the season and has played the least games out of any team in the NL East.

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