Soto receives another negative test result, now waiting on MLB and D.C.

Nationals manager Davey Martinez had good news regarding the health of outfielder Juan Soto, who has been away from the team since July 23 after receiving a positive test for COVID-19. Martinez reported yesterday that Soto had already received one official negative test from Major League Baseball and the Nationals were awaiting the results of a second test.

"We did get another result back today," Martinez said on a video call Tuesday before the game against the Blue Jays. "He tested negative. Now we are waiting for him to be cleared by MLB and (the) D.C. Department of Health."

No other positive tests from Soto this week?

"No, none."

Martinez also reported that starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg will continue throwing again today after playing catch during before Monday's game. Strasburg was scratched from his first start of the season Saturday night against the Yankees because of a nerve impingement in his right wrist.

"He feels better today," Martinez said. "He's going to throw again today and we will see where he's at. This is going to be a day to day. The good news is he feels a little better than he did yesterday. He's going to push himself a little bit and throw again today and we will see how he recovers tomorrow."

Martinez said the club is handling the current situation as best as it can during a global pandemic. He said this team is so close because they have been through a lot of ups and downs over the past couple of seasons that have helped them bond.

"We've been through so much together, we really have," Martinez said. "One thing I know about these guys is that there isn't (a) lack of communication. I converse with them all the time. I let them know my thoughts, they let me know their thoughts. I know where they are at. That's always a positive, that's always a good thing. They know this about me. I put them first. I want to make sure they're comfortable in doing what we are doing.

"If there is any way I can help them, I will help them. They know we are all in this together. We talk a lot about the circle of trust, and they really believe in that. That we have each other and we are going to try to take care of each other the best we can."

Martinez said veterans in the clubhouse take the lead during times like these. The players listen when Max Scherzer, Sean Doolittle, Howie Kendrick and Strasburg when they stand up and talk.

"They've been good," Martinez said. "I lean on all those veteran guys. Doo, Scherz, Stras, Howie. They all have a voice in there and when those guys speak, everybody tends to listen. I think they are holding up really well. Our record doesn't indicate what we are doing, but I think they are doing well. It's early in the season. I know it's a shortened season, but I think we are going to be fine.

"There are a lot of hurdles, but there are a lot of hurdles for everybody that's trying to go through this. We just got to overcome them and be ready to play everyday at 6:05 p.m. or 4:05 p.m. or 12:35 p.m. Whenever the game starts, just be ready to play."