Red Sox manager Alex Cora said he anticipates his team will be without several unvaccinated players for its next series at home to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Starting pitcher Tanner Houck told the Boston Globe on Sunday that he is not vaccinated against COVID-19 and will not participate in the four-game series that begins Monday, April 25. He would have been scheduled to open the second in the series.
The Canadian government requires that anyone wishing to enter their country have the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, or a dose from Johnson & Johnson, at least 14 days before arrival.
“I’m sorry I can’t make that start,” Houck said.
After the 8-1 win over Minnesota, Cora was asked Sunday if he expected to be without other players.
“That’s right,” Cora said. There was no follow-up question on that, so she adjourned the press conference.
Previously asked about Houck, Cora said, “We knew about it beforehand, so we’ll make a corresponding plan.”
Players who do not participate due to not being vaccinated against COVID-19 do not receive salary and do not accumulate Major League service time while on the restricted list.
Oakland placed wide receiver Austin Allen and left-handers AJ Puk and Kirby Snead on that list for the A’s’ series in Toronto over the weekend.
“I think it’s a personal decision for everyone, whether they get it or not,” Houck told The Globe.
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