Nationals cleared to begin 2021 season Tuesday vs. Braves

The Washington Nationals' 2021 season will begin on Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park after their first four games were postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak, the league announced Sunday, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

The Nats needed to postpone their entire opening series against the New York Mets and the first game of their series against the Braves.

The Nationals and Braves will play a traditional doubleheader Wednesday to make up for Monday's contest, according to a team announcement.

Makeup dates for the Nationals and Mets games from last weekend are still being determined.

The league's release indicates there are no new positive cases among the Nationals, and the team is eligible to report to Nationals Park for activities on Monday.

While the Nationals can play, they're expected to be without outfielder Kyle Schwarber, left-hander Jon Lester, infielder Josh Harrison, and catcher Alex Avila.

The Nationals reportedly added Jonathan Lucroy on a minor-league deal. They will also apparently call up pitchers Sam Clay and Kyle McGowin, catcher Tres Barrera, infielder Luis Garcia, and outfielder Yadiel Hernandez, sources told The Athletic's Maria Torres.