The Morning Briefing: Opening Night 2021; Let's Go 1-0 Today!

Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball headlines, news and the latest news for Opening Day 2021

by Richard Wachtel

Updated April 01, 2021

Good Morning Washington Nationals Fans! It's the day that we all have been waiting for: Opening Night 2021

Today's weather via Capital Sports: Early afternoon showers will go away in favor of clearing skies but cold temps, as lows will descent into the low 30s with a stiff breeze, making it feel much cooler. The first pitch temp will be in the low 40s.

Upcoming Games:

4/1/2021 Mets @Nationals 7:05 pm EST
4/3/2021 Mets @Nationals 4:05 pm EST
4/4/2021 Mets @Nationals 1:05 pm EST

Countdown Clock: Opening Day: TODAY!!

Make sure to follow The Nats Report on Twitter for updates on the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball during the day!

Please read my thoughts about what tonight's game means to me.

Richard wrote today's Morning Briefing.

Today's Top Story: Opening Day is Here

Well, tonight, the Washington Nationals will face-off against the New York Mets. The first pitch is at 7:05 pm EST on ESPN. Max Scherzer, a two-time Cy-Young Award winner, will face an improved New York Mets lineup, as the Mets have been extremely busy during the offseason. Jacob DeGrom, also a two-time Cy-Young Award winner, will be facing an improved Washington Nationals lineup with Kyle Schwarber and Josh Bell's addition.

The Washington Nationals will recognize the 2019 World Series championship team on Opening Day, including raising a championship flag in the center-field concourse. For the first time since Game 5 of the 2019 World Series, fans will be sitting in Nats Park and will finally get to celebrate the 2019 World Series Winners.

Here are some of the activities that will be happening on Thursday night reported by Jessica Camerato:

A previously recorded performance of America the Beautiful will be performed by the United States Navy Band;
Our nation's colors will be presented by the United States Capitol Police Ceremonial Unit;
A flyover by the 113th Wing from the D.C. Air National guard;
A presentation of the 2020 NL Batting title and Silver Slugger award to Juan Soto;
And God Bless America performed by D.C. Washington.

If you are going to Opening Night, tag @TheNatsReport in all of your pictures on Twitter and Facebook!

COVID Hits Washington Nationals

According to Mike Rizzo, a Washington Nationals player has tested positive for COVID-19, and five others and four players and a staff member are quarantining after contact tracing. The Nationals haven't released the name of the player that tested positive for COVID or the staff or players that are quarantining. Rizzo did mention that the Opening Day roster will be affected by the positive test and contact tracing. It isn't Max Scherzer, as it has been reported that he didn't fly with the team back to Washington D.C.

According to Major League Baseball's league rules, last July, the infected individual and the people who had close contact are required to quarantine for at least seven days. Jesse Dougherty from the Washington Post reported that catcher Tres Barrera is among the call-ups to the Nationals Opening Day roster and left-handed reliever Sam Clay and Luis Garica are all the players that got called up.

We will provide additional information as it becomes available.

While you Were Sleeping, Francisco Lindor and Mets Agree on a $341 Million Contract Extension.

Well, it isn't Washington Nationals News. However, it is news that will have an effect on the Nationals for years to come. It might even affect contract negotiations for Trea Turner and Juan Soto (more on that later today on the site).

According to multiple sources, New York Met shortstop Fransico Lindor and the Mets agreed on a $341 million contract extension. The New York Mets haven't made the official announcement, however according to a source to the New York Times, "His new deal, coupled with his $22.3 million salary for 2021, means that the new Mets' owner, Steven A. Cohen, has committed $363.3 million to Lindor, shattering the previous record for a Mets player: an eight-year, $138 million contract with the former third baseman David Wright."

During the first offseason of the Steve Cohen era, the New York Mets were busy. The team bolstered the roster throughout, signing catcher James McCann, reliever Trevor May, starter Taijuan Walker, and others. These additions during the offseason made the NL East one of the most competitive divisions in Major League Baseball.

Podcast Alert: In the Clubhouse with the Nats Report

I recently sat down with Byron Kerr of the "Kerr-ly W" podcast, and we talked all about Opening Night and Washington Nationals baseball. It was an enjoyable conversation and worth your time to listen to the episode. If you need to get pumped and ready for Opening Night, this is the podcast for you. Take a listen, and then rate and review! Listen to the full episode on all the major podcasting platforms:

Apple: https://apple.co/3fxGFoe
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2QOtOnf
Megaphone: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/AMPM7530588659.mp3?updated=1617189729

On Monday, April 5th, I am releasing my conversation with Washington Nationals pitching prospect Jackson Rutledge. I recorded the interview last night and this interview is something that you will not want to miss!

Welcome to Washington D.C., Smash Brothers

Can a Combination of Zimmerman and Bell Power the Nats to a Division Title? I take a close look at the success that the Nationals saw during Spring Training with Ryan Zimmerman and Josh Bell, making a positive impact on the team. One question remains, can this success translate into the regular season!

Click here to read the full article