Tanner Houck indicated that he is not vaccinated against COVID-19 and will therefore not be able to travel to Toronto for his scheduled launch later this month, according to the Boston Globe’s Julian McWilliams. Players do not need to be vaccinated, but every traveler traveling to Canada does. Houck is scheduled to face the Blue Jays in Boston on Thursday, which will see him face off in Toronto the following Tuesday (April 26). The Red Sox will have to postpone their rotation and possibly postpone Houck’s next start to the following series in Baltimore. This shouldn’t be a huge problem for Boston as the club won’t be playing in Toronto again until there is a 3-game set at the end of June. They also play in Toronto for three of the last six games of the season. So at the end of the year, this could be something for Boston to think about, but that’s a problem for another day.
- Anthony Rendon took his day off today and sat out Sunday’s game for the second week in a row. This could be a pattern for Rendon at least early in the season, according to The Athletic’s Sam Blum (via twitter). Manager Joe Maddon is aware of the fact that even though it’s a new season, Rendon is still coming off surgery. Given the money Rendon is owed over the next five seasons, it certainly makes sense to appreciate Rendon’s long-term health. The All-Star third baseman turns 32 in June.
- Yo Kelly likely looks to return to active squad in early May if all goes well. He’s been putting on bullpen sessions today and looking fine but the club are likely still aiming for a rehab stint with Charlotte at the end of April, according to The Athletic’s James Fegan (via twitter). Kelly is yet to make his Southside debut after starting the season on the injured list.