BOSTON — Manager Alex Cora said the Boston Red Sox expect to be without several unvaccinated players for an upcoming series against the Toronto Blue Jays in Canada.
Starting pitcher Tanner Houck told the Boston Globe on Sunday that he is unvaccinated against COVID-19 and will not be serving during the four-game series beginning Monday, April 25. It would have been his turn to start the second game.
To enter Canada, the Canadian government requires a person to have received a second dose of COVID-19 vaccine — or a dose of Johnson & Johnson — at least 14 days prior to entry.
“I’m disappointed that I can’t get that start,” said Houck (1-0), who has been strong in two starts this season, including a win over the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park on Saturday.
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Cora was asked after an 8-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on Sunday if he expected to miss any more players.
“Yes,” Cora said. He did not allow himself to be asked a follow-up question and then ended the press conference.
Asked about Houck earlier, Cora said, “We knew beforehand, so we’ll plan accordingly.”
Players sidelined due to COVID-19 vaccine issues will not be paid and will not receive major league service time while on the suspended list.
The Oakland Athletics suspended catcher Austin Allen and left-handers AJ Puk and Kirby Snead for their series in Toronto this weekend.
“I think it’s a personal choice for everyone whether they get it or not,” Houck told The Globe.
Major League Baseball is not alone on this issue when it comes to traveling to Canada. The NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers will be without guard Matisse Thybulle as their Eastern Conference playoff series heads north against the Toronto Raptors for Games 3 and 4.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.