Nine MLB teams hit 85% vaccination rate threshold

MLB continues to offer good news as it pertains to players and other personnel receiving COVID-19 vaccines. 

According to the Associated Press (h/t ESPN), MLB announced Friday that nine clubs have had 85% of their Tier 1 traveling parties — including players, managers, coaches and other essential personnel — receive final doses of coronavirus vaccines. MLB informed teams in late March that certain COVID-19 health and safety protocols could be relaxed for organizations that hit the 85% threshold for vaccinated personnel.

Four of the nine teams have had some protocols loosened because at least 85% of their Tier 1 employees are 14 days or more removed from their last required vaccine doses. The other five clubs must complete mandatory 14-day waiting periods before the league eases restrictions. 

MLB added that 81% of all Tier 1 individuals are either partially or fully vaccinated. Earlier this week, commissioner Rob Manfred put that figure at "around 70%." 

MLB did not disclose which teams have hit the 85% mark. 

Also on Friday, MLB and the MLB Players Association announced that two active MLB players and two alternate site players tested positive for COVID-19 over the past week. Three players and five staff members returned positive results during the previous testing period.