Lester, Schwarber among Nats on IL
The Nationals finally opened their season Tuesday, but did so with a patchwork roster because of COVID-19 issues. Former Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester and left fielder Kyle Schwarber were among those put on the injured list. Starting pitcher Patrick Corbin, catchers Yan Gomes and Alex Avila, first baseman Josh Bell, infielders Josh Harrison and Jordy Mercer and reliever Brad Hand also were added to the list, though none with a specified injury.
A coronavirus outbreak has sidelined 11 players, four of whom tested positive for COVID-19, though the team has not revealed which players tested positive and which are in protocols.
After waiting five days to start their season, the Nationals rallied to beat the Braves 6-5 as Juan Soto drove in the winning run with a single in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Reds 14, Pirates 1
Tyler Naquin homered twice and drove in a career-high seven runs, leading host Cincinnati to its fourth consecutive victory. Rookie Jonathan India had three hits and four RBI. Tucker Barnhart and Nick Senzel also had three hits apiece.
Yankees 7, Orioles 2
Gerrit Cole struck out 13 and walked none over seven scoreless innings in his most dominant start since joining New York. He allowed four hits, three of them singles. Aaron Judge hit a three-run homer in the eighth.
Astros 4, Angels 2
Carlos Correa hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the ninth inning, lifting Houston to the victory. The Astros went an impressive 5-1 on their six-game road trip to start the season.
Red Sox unveil blue-yellow uniforms
The Red Sox unveiled their yellow and sky blue City Connect series uniforms to honor Patriots’ Day and the Boston Marathon. The jerseys also feature a marathon bib patch with 617, Fenway Park’s area code, on the left sleeve. The Red Sox will wear the uniforms April 17 and 18 when they play the White Sox.
This and that
Padres star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. will be put on the 10-day injured list but won’t need surgery after injuring his shoulder Monday.
† Rockies second baseman Ryan McMahon was 3-for-3 with three homers through eight innings against the Diamondbacks.
† The Braves acquired versatile infielder Orlando Arcia from the Brewers for right-handed pitchers Chad Sobotka and Patrick Weigel.