Canada’s COVID-19 border restrictions could have an impact on the American League East standings.
On the mandatory reporting day for spring training, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters in Tampa that he is concerned some of his players won’t be allowed to travel north for games in Toronto.
“We still have a few guys at least who are not vaccinated,” Boone said Sunday.
Unvaccinated athletes, professional and amateur, haven’t been able to travel into Canada since mid-January, in line with the national policy for all non-Canadians who don’t have their jabs. Before Jan. 15, they had been allowed in under a national interest exemption.
Also, under the new collective agreement that ended the lockout, unvaccinated players who can’t travel to Canada will be placed on the restricted list while their team is away, surrendering pay and service time for the length of the series against the Blue Jays.
“It’s a concern, as everyone knows. Appreciate and respect the decisions that are made, particularly in regards to player health and community health,” Tony Clark, executive director of the MLB Players Association, said Friday. “But that is an issue … that we’re going to have to continue to try to work though.”
MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reported Sunday that the Yankees stand to miss “a chunk” of the middle of their batting order for games in Toronto, and the Boston Red Sox “would be missing many more players.” The Red Sox did not reach MLB’s threshold of 85 per cent for vaccination of players, coaches and trainers, which would have allowed for relaxed protocols in team environments. About 88 per cent of players and primary staff were considered fully vaccinated at the end of last season.
new coaches
Seven Blue Jays coaches have been added or moved to new roles this season.
John Schneider was promoted to bench coach after three seasons in a different coaching role. Dave Hudgens moves from bench coach to major league hitting strategist. Gil Kim, whose role was expanded in 2020 after years as Toronto’s director of player development, is now the Jays’ field co-ordinator responsible for daily schedules, practice strategy, individual development plans and player communication.
The additions to the big-league staff, all of whom had worked for the organization in other roles, are: Hunter Mense, assistant hitting coach and minor-league co-ordinator; David Howell, pitching strategist; Adam Yudelman, coach; and Luis Hurtado, bullpen catcher.
Returning under manager Charlie Montoyo are coaches Pete Walker (pitching), Mark Budzinski (first base), Matt Buschmann (bullpen, pitching development), Guillermo Martinez (hitting), Luis Rivera (third base) and Alex Andreopoulos (bullpen).
New players
The Jays officially announced deals with right-hander Joe Biagini, infielder Greg Bird and catcher Tyler Heineman, with invitations to training camp. Heineman, 30, spent parts of 2019 and 2020 in the big leagues, posting a .208/.288/.302 slashline in 53 big-league at-bats with the Miami Marlins and San Francisco Giants. I have spent last season in Triple-A.
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