‘King Felix’ latest to opt out

Former Cy Young Award winner Felix Hernandez has opted out of the 2020 season, at least temporarily ending his bid to revive his career with the Braves.

Braves manager Brian Snitker said Sunday that Hernandez, 34, opted out because of the coronavirus pandemic. The decision was made after Hernandez participated in workouts Friday and Saturday.

The decision came a day after Snitker announced that four-time All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman, premier reliever Will Smith and two other players tested positive for COVID-19.

Hernandez, nicknamed ‘‘King Felix,’’ signed a one-year minor-league deal with the Braves on Jan. 20.

More pandemic happenings

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said two players out of 60 tested turned up positive for the virus.

Reliever Sean Doolittle lamented not having his COVID-19 test results back and implored baseball to “clean this up.” Doolittle, 31, said he’s debating whether to play, weighing safety concerns and physical and mental health.

♦ Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said relievers Silvino Bracho and Junior Guerra tested positive for COVID-19. The team previously had revealed three players on the 40-man roster had tested positive, but Sunday was the first time any were identified.

♦ The Athletics’ first full-squad workout was pushed back after the Fourth of July weekend, given the club hadn’t received results from position-player intake testing, according to general manager David Forst.

Francona calls for name change

Indians manager Terry Francona said he thinks it’s time for the team to change its nickname.

“It’s time to move forward,” Francona said.

Maddon likely to tab Heaney in opener

Angels manager Joe Maddon said lefthander Andrew Heaney, 29, is expected to make his first Opening Day start.