Zimmerman, Ross to skip 2020 season

Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross, who played key roles for the Washington Nationals in their 2019 World Series championship run, have opted out of the 2020 campaign over coronavirus concerns.

The duo join Arizona pitcher Mike Leake as the first Major League Baseball players to say they will not compete in the virus-shortened and delayed 2020 season because of Covid-19 issues.

Zimmerman batted .257 with six home runs last season and added a homer in the opening game of the World Series, which the Nationals took over Houston in the maximum seven games.

The 35-year-old first baseman has three children and a mother who has multiple sclerosis.

“After a great deal of thought and given my family circumstances — three young children, including a newborn, and a mother at high risk — I have decided not to participate in the 2020 season,” Zimmerman said in a statement.

“Of course I would love to pursue backto-back titles... but given the unusual nature of the season, this is the best decision for me and my family and I truly appreciate the organization’s understanding and support.”

Zimmerman would have made about $ 2.3 million in pro- rated salary for the planned 60- game Major League Baseball season set to begin in just over three weeks, with pre-season workouts starting Wednesday.

“To be clear, I am not retiring at this time,” Zimmerman said. “I have not decided on my future in baseball past 2020. But this year, I’ll be staying safe at home and pulling as hard as anyone for the guys to defend our championship.”

Ross, a 27-year-old right-hander, was pushed into a starting role in game five of the World Series on three hours’ notice in place of injured Max Scherzer.

“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,” Nationals president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo said.

“We are 100% supportive of their decision to not play this year. We will miss their presence in the clubhouse and their contributions on the field.”