Yankees news: Opening Day contest vs. Washington in jeopardy

Mar 5, 2020; Lakeland, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) reacts on the mound during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

UPDATE: Team have been cleared to play in D.C.!

With just seven days remaining until Opening Day, the New York Yankees are still working hard to prepare. They will face off against the Washington Nationals, who won the World Series in 2019 over the Houston Astros. Gerrit Cole could be bringing over a few bad memories, as he will start the 60-game condensed season as the No. 1 pitcher for the Bombers.

The game is expected to take place in Washington on Thursday night next week, with Cole facing off against Max Scherzer. However, the city of Washington has not fully given them permission for the MLB to initiate the start of the regular season.

The Nationals are unsure if they'll start the season at Nationals Park due to city coronavirus regulations. They are actively exploring alternate sites (Fredericksburg, Va. or West Palm Beach). Opening Day is in exactly one week.

News with @DaveSheinin: https://t.co/zZi0LzdZrA

— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) July 16, 2020

Due to the cities coronavirus regulations, the Nationals might have to find an alternative place to play. Alternative options include Fredericksburg, Virginia, or West Palm Beach in Florida. It is coming down to the final moment, and the Yankees will have to travel either way. It is a bit problematic considering New York is doing well with the virus and has it relatively contained. Florida remains affected significantly by COVID-19.

The Yankees are continuing their intrasquad exhibition games ahead of July 23, as Gerrit Cole well enjoy one more start on Friday evening. However, thereâ€™s plenty of work left to do with players like DJ LeMahieu coming back from testing positive with the virus and Aaron Judge shaking off a stiff neck. Then there is Masahiro Tanaka who took a line drive off his head and James Paxton who hasnâ€™t seen much work since having a cyst removed from his lower back several months ago.

Nonetheless, with the expanded roster from 26 to 30 players, the Yankees have plenty of talent to supplement injuries. Weâ€™ve been keeping a close eye on Tyler Wade and Thairo Estrada as a supplement for DJ, who expects to be ready for the regular season with just a week of training at his disposal.