Nationals reinstate Hand, Gomes, 2 others from IL

The Washington Nationals reinstated closer Brad Hand, infielder Jordy Mercer, and catchers Alex Avila and Yan Gomes from the injured list, the team announced Friday.

Those four were among the nine players sent to the IL following a recent COVID-19 outbreak.

All four players will be available for Friday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

First baseman Josh Bell, infielder Josh Harrison, outfielder Kyle Schwarber, and pitchers Patrick Corbin and Jon Lester remain on the IL.

Corbin has been medically cleared, but the team isn't sure yet when he'll be able to pitch, manager Dave Martinez said, according to Maria Torres of The Athletic.

The Nationals postponed their first four regular-season games due to the outbreak but have since resumed play.

Washington placed Tres Barrera, Ryne Harper, Gerardo Parra, Adrian Sanchez, and T.J. McFarland on the team's taxi squad, and sent Carter Kieboom and Cody Wilson to the alternate training site in corresponding moves.