Dr. Fauci to throw ceremonial 1st pitch at Nationals' opener

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Nationals Park prior to the Washington Nationals' home opener Thursday night against the New York Yankees.

"Dr. Fauci has been a true champion for our country during the COVID-19 pandemic and throughout his distinguished career, so it is only fitting that we honor him as we kick off the 2020 season and defend our World Series championship title," the team said in a statement.

An avid Nationals fan, Dr. Fauci wore a team-branded face mask in June prior to, and during, a hearing on Capitol Hill.

Throughout the pandemic, Dr. Fauci has preached patience and caution when it comes to restarting professional sports. In June, he said MLB should avoid playing in October to curb the risk of COVID-19, as that's when cooler weather begins in much of the U.S.

The showdown between the Nationals and Yankees kicks off the abbreviated MLB season. After Dr. Fauci throws the first pitch, Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer will toe the rubber opposite Yankees ace Gerrit Cole.