Boston Red Sox

Red Sox to Play Without Multiple Unvaccinated Players in Toronto Series: Alex Cora

"I'm bummed that I won't be able to make that start,'' Tanner Houck said

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 08: Tanner Houck #89 of the Boston Red Sox pitches in the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Tropicana Field on October 08, 2021 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Boston expects to be without multiple unvaccinated players for an upcoming series at Toronto.

Starting pitcher Tanner Houck told the Boston Globe on Sunday that he is not vaccinated against COVID-19 and won't pitch during the four-game series beginning Monday, April 25. He would have been in line to start the second game.

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To enter Canada, the Canadian government requires a person must have received a second COVID-19 vaccine dose -- or one dose of Johnson & Johnson -- at least 14 days prior to entry.

"I'm bummed that I won't be able to make that start,'' Houck said.

Even though the outcome wasn't what Red Sox fans wanted, those who went to the game Friday couldn't have asked for better weather for a day game in April.

Cora was asked after an 8-1 win over Minnesota on Sunday if he expected to be missing other players.

"Yeah,'' Cora said.

He was not asked a follow-up question and then ended the press conference.

Asked earlier about Houck, Cora said: "We knew it beforehand, so we'll plan accordingly.''

Players sidelined by COVID-19 vaccine issues are not paid and do not accrue major league service time while on the restricted list.

Oakland placed catcher Austin Allen and left-handers A.J. Puk and Kirby Snead on the restricted list for the Athletics' series in Toronto this weekend.

"I think it's a personal choice for everyone whether they get it or not,'' Houck told The Globe.

Copyright The Associated Press
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