Toronto Blue Jays fans received some encouraging news regarding newly acquired utility man Whit Merrifield’s ability to play in home games.
The Jays traded pitcher Max Castillo and infielder Samad Taylor to the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday for Merrifield.
On Thursday, Merrifield told reporters that he has indeed gotten vaccinated against COVID-19. Merrifield will be in Toronto on August 12 when the team returns from a nine-game road trip.
According to the Canadian Government, travelers are allowed to enter the country 14 calendar days after receiving the single-dose Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine or the second shot of a two-dose vaccine. Given that Merrifield will be able to travel with the team into Canada prior to August 12, he may have been vaccinated at some point in mid-to-late July.
The two-time All-Star faced backlash in July for saying he would consider getting the vaccine if traded to a potential playoff team. That statement left the Royals feeling insulted that Merrifield did not value their games enough to get the COVID vaccine.
Merrifield was one of 10 Royals players who missed the team’s series in Toronto against the Jays prior to the All-Star break due to his vaccination status.
In 95 games this season entering Thursday, Merrifield was hitting .240 with six home runs and 42 RBI. He made his Jays debut on Thursday in center field against the Minnesota Twins.
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