MLB: Diamondbacks’ Leake, Nationals’ Zimmerman and Ross opt not to play in 2020

Arizona Diamondbacks righthander Mike Leake became the first known player to opt out of the 2020 season due to concerns about COVID-19, and he was followed Monday by two members of the World Series champion Washington Nationals, infielder Ryan Zimmerman and pitcher Joe Ross.

And the Minnesota Twins reportedly will not allow bullpen coach Bob McClure, 68, and major-league coach Bill Ever, 66, to work games this year. The virus has affected the elderly more than any other age group.

“During this global pandemic, Mike and his family had many discussions about playing this season,” Leake’s agent, Danny Horwits, said in a statement Monday. “They took countless factors into consideration, many of which are personal to him and his family … This was not an easy decision for Mike.”

The 32-year-old Leake started 10 games for Arizona after being traded from Seattle for outfielder Jose Caballero and cash in a 2019 deadline deal. Leake earned his first AL Gold Glove Award for his time with the Mariners.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said Zimmerman and Ross are opting out for the safety of themselves and their families.

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

Zimmerman, who said last week he was undecided, ultimately said his family situation factored into not playing. His mother is at high risk for complications from the coronavirus. He also has three young children, including a newborn.

“Everyone knows how much it means to me to be part of a team and I will miss that camaraderie dearly this year,” Zimmerman said in a statement.

Zimmerman is a two-time all-star infielder who has played 15 years in the majors, all with the Nationals.