Juan Soto gets closer to returning to Nationals after first negative COVID-19 test

Juan Soto has received his first negative COVID-19 test.

After testing positive for COVID-19 Thursday, Nationals star outfielder Juan Soto took his first step to returning to the field on Monday. Soto received his first negative test. Soto is still asymptomatic, but will need one more MLB-approved negative test before he can rejoin the team.

It’s a quick turnaround for Soto, with a negative test coming back only four days after he received his first positive test. If this is the average turnaround for players who test positive, it would be largely beneficial to the MLB. As it stands, it looks like Soto didn’t infect any of his teammates or coaches. The Nationals are yet to report any other positive tests.

The same can’t be said for the Miami Marlins, who have had 14 players and coaches test positive. The Marlins have had to cancel their home opener and its uncertain how they will proceed. Monday’s Yankees-Phillies game has been cancelled, after the Phillies played a three game set against the Marlins this weekend.

Soto will be the Nats most important player in 2020.

The Nationals will need Soto back as soon as possible, with every game taking on an extra level of importance in a 60-game season. The Nats are 1-2 on the season, with all three games coming against the New York Yankees.

Soto will look to be the catalyst in the Nationals lineup this season, after an excellent 2019 season when he finished with 34 home runs and 110 RBIs. The Nationals have one of the best pitching staffs in the MLB, but after losing Anthony Rendon this offseason, their lineup needs all the help it can get.