If unvaccinated MLB players are traveling to Toronto, their rosters might be slightly different. Canadian federal policy states that players who have not received a COVID-19 vaccination are exempted from the requirement. will be unable to enter the country and play games against the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.
The Texas RangersThey were the first to confront the restrictions imposed by the vaccine mandate. Their series against the Blue Jays begins today.
This is because the Canadian federal policies can have a different effect on every team when they travel to Toronto.
What does the Blue Jays’ policy regarding unvaccinated players mean for visiting teams?
Unvaccinated Canadians are not allowed to cross the border — except in exceptional circumstances like funerals for loved ones. Major League Baseball players who are not vaccinated will be denied entry to Canada. They also won’t receive any payment for the games. If players decide to get vaccinated to play games in Canada, they must receive one dose of Johnson & Johnson or their second Pfizer or Moderna dose at least 14 days before entering the country.
Do you expect the policy to be in effect for the whole season?
Sources say that there is not much momentum for this policy to change at the moment. This is not the case the exemption created by New York City mayor Eric AdamsBlue Jays sources tell us that it is not currently possible for athletes or entertainers to perform if they aren’t vaccinated. It can take several months for the regular season to end, and as New York demonstrated last month, things could change quickly. This policy is as it is today.
What about the key players who couldn’t make it to Toronto for the opening weekend?
The Rangers won’t have any players missing from Toronto in their first series. This week, the team arrived in Canada with its roster fully intact.
We will find out as the season progresses if we will know which players will not be traveling to Toronto in advance or if it will be an unexpected surprise.
It is not required that teams announce this in advance. Players will still be interested in this question as long the policy remains. Some players were not vaccinated last season — such as Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts — announced they had since gotten the shot.Others like New York Yankees outfielder Aaron JudgeQuestions about vaccination status have been avoided by a majority of the participants. If teams don’t decide to share who won’t be traveling to Toronto in advance, there will be speculation going into each series.
What can players do if they are not traveling to Toronto with their teams?
It is illegal to get paid to play ball. Non-vaccinated players won’t have the right to enter Canada. This means that they will be unable to stay in Toronto as their team plays at Rogers Centre. Players who are unable to play in Toronto will be added to the restricted list. This list is used most often for players with legal issues or personal problems. They won’t receive any payment or service time.
Tony Clark, the MLBPA’s head, expressed concern over potential loss of service time and pay. We respect and appreciate the decisions made, especially when they relate to player health or community health. That is an issue that we have to deal with as part of the pandemic we’re currently dealing with domestically.
How will players who are unable to travel to Toronto be replaced on your roster?
A league source said that teams will be able add to their active rosters if they need to place players on the restricted lists.
Is there an equivalent for other MLB teams/cities?
The NBA Toronto RaptorsThis could be a glimpse of any additional advantage the Blue Jays may have at home. The Brooklyn Nets‘ Kyrie IrvingToronto playoffs will not allow unvaccinated athletes to compete in the games. The playoffs are scheduled to begin April 16. Teams such as the Boston Celtics Philadelphia 76ersYou can find it here declined to say if they are fully vaccinated. The Miami Heat Milwaukee BucksThey all confirmed that they had received a COVID-19 injection.
What teams are heading to Toronto next?
This weekend, the Jays open the season with a three-game series against the Rangers. They will then head out on the road to face their AL East rival Yankees in a four-game series.
The Oakland AthleticsYou will next travel to Toronto from April 15-17 to catch three games.