Juan Soto Tests Positive for COVID-19: Updated Yankees vs. Nationals Betting Odds

Juan Soto Tests Positive for COVID-19: Updated Yankees vs. Nationals Betting Odds article feature image
Credit:

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images. Pictured: Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals

  • On Thursday afternoon, Nationals star outfielder Juan Soto tested positive for COVID-19.
  • As a result, sportsbooks adjusted odds in favor of the Yankees for tonight's Opening Day MLB matchup (7:08 p.m. ET, ESPN).
  • Check out exactly how the betting line moved, as well as what the positive test means for Soto's MVP chances.

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Nationals outfielder Juan Soto will miss tonight's Opening Day game against the Yankees after testing positive for COVID-19.

Soto, who finished ninth in NL MVP voting last season, is once again a candidate to win the award in 2020. Earlier today, Soto was 10-1 to win MVP at DraftKings Sportsbook, but has since been adjusted down to 25-1 with so much uncertainty surrounding his status and potential return to the lineup.

While the high-level question surrounds how long Washington will be without its star slugger, there's also the effect his absence is having on tonight's season-opening game against the Yankees.

Prior to the news of the positive test, New York had settled in as a -140 favorite against Washington at PointsBet, but as one would expect, Soto's availability (or lack thereof) is certainly significant enough to affect betting odds.

As of 2:37 p.m. ET, the Yankees have pumped to -165 at PointsBet. In turn, the Nats have tumbled from +120 to +140.

Based on The Action Network's real-time MLB public data, 66% of moneyline bets have landed on New York, and don't be surprised to see that number climb as tonight's first pitch approaches.

Bet $20, Win $100 if Yankees Get Just ONE Hit on Opening Day

About the Author
Sports bettor and Editor at The Action Network.

Follow PJ Walsh @PJWalsh24 on Twitter/X.

This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Action Network makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.