Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker confirmed Sunday morning that veteran right-hander Felix Hernandez has decided to opt out of the 2020 MLB season due to COVID-19 concerns. Hernandez took part in Saturday’s workout at Truist Park and threw a side session but went home and ultimately came to the decision that he was going to opt out. He had been in competition for a spot in Atlanta’s rotation and would have assuredly figured into the piggybacking plan for the first couple of weeks of the season.
Snitker added that he thinks that the Braves have the starting pitching depth to overcome the loss of Hernandez. For now this appears to be good news for the likes of Kyle Wright and Sean Newcomb who went to spring training trying to win back a spot in Atlanta’s rotation after spending most of 2019 as a reliever.
More Braves News
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MLB News
Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler is keeping his options open in regards to the 2020 season. He told reporters Saturday that as of this moment, he intends to play but that could change. Wheeler’s wife is due to deliver their first child later this month which places her in a high-risk group for COVID-19.