Dr. Anthony Fauci to throw first pitch for Nationals on Opening Day

Director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci is see with a Washington Nationals face mask when he arrives to testify during the US Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing to examine

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, will throw the first pitch for the Washington Nationals on opening day, the team announced Monday.

The season begins Thursday night with the Nationals hosting the New York Yankees.

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"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 announced in a statement."

READ MORE: Washington Nationals to play 2020 home games at Nationals Park

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, players in teams across the league have adapted to COVID-19 tests, social distancing and wearing masks in the clubhouse.