Nats-Braves postponed Monday after DC shootings

Teams to play split doubleheader on Tuesday at Nationals Park

WASHINGTON -- In light of the Monday morning shootings at the Naval Sea Systems Command headquarters, which is a few blocks away from Nationals Park, the Nationals postponed their game against the Braves.

The two clubs will play a day-night doubleheader Tuesday. The first game will start at 1:05 p.m. ET, with Dan Haren taking the mound for the Nationals, while right-hander Tanner Roark will pitch the nightcap for Washington. Game time is 7:05.

All gates for the originally scheduled 7:05 game will open 1 1/2 hours after the last out of the 1:05 game or at 6, whichever is later. The two games against the Braves will require separate admission.

Fans with game tickets to Monday's postponed contest may use their original tickets for the 1:05 makeup game. Those unable to attend the 1:05 game can exchange their tickets for any remaining home game during the 2013 regular season or any Value Game during the 2014 regular season.

Both the Nationals and Major League Baseball decided to postpone the Monday night game.

"There are a lot of [logistics] that go into cancelling a game for these reasons. We have to be in contact with federal authorities and the state D.C. authorities to have a coordinated effort," Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said. "And then whenever you cancel a game, MLB is involved and we have to go through the correct procedures for that."

As of the latest announcement, police said at least 12 people are dead and others wounded after a shooter opened fire at the facility on Monday morning.

"All of us here in the Nationals organization were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic events that occurred this morning only a few blocks from Nationals Park," the team said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.

"The safety of our fans is our utmost priority. As we have throughout the day, the Nationals security personnel will continue to work closely with all levels of law enforcement to reinforce the already high level of security in place at Nationals Park."

The tragedy at the Navy Yard took place at around 8:20 a.m., according to reports. As of 12:30 p.m., according to Nationals manager Davey Johnson, he and the players were "cleared to go to Nationals Park," but that didn't mean the game was on. After receiving the message, Johnson said he was going to "wait a while" before heading to the park. At 3:12, the Nationals announced that the game was postponed.