20 MLB clubs now at 85% vaccination threshold for relaxed COVID-19 protocols

MLB and the MLB Players Association continue to offer positive news regarding the number of new COVID-19 cases and coronavirus vaccinations among players and staff members. 

On Friday, MLB and the MLBPA announced that only one new MLB player and one Triple-A player tested positive for COVID-19 over the past week. To compare, one MLB player, a Triple-A player, and a staff member recorded positive results in the previous round of testing. 

MLB also confirmed that 20 clubs have now reached the 85% COVID-19 vaccination threshold among Tier 1 employees that include players, managers, coaches, trainers and other essential members of traveling parties. Sixteen teams had hit the 85% threshold that allows for the loosening of coronavirus-related health and safety protocols last Friday. 

Additionally, 85.2% of all Tier 1 individuals are currently considered either partially or fully vaccinated, up from 84.5% the prior week. 82.9% of those employees are fully vaccinated, an increase from 81.2%. 

On Thursday, the Chicago White Sox placed rookie outfielder Andrew Vaughn on the COVID-19 injured list, but general manager Rick Hahn said at the time Vaughn was asymptomatic. 

The NBA has avoided a single positive coronavirus test among players throughout the playoffs over the past two weeks.