Dr. Anthony Fauci will throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the Washington Nationals prior to Thursday's season opener against the New York Yankees.

Fauci is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a member of the White House coronavirus task force.

He has often been seen wearing a face mask with the Nationals' logo.

"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 club said in a statement.