Chicago Cubs manager David Ross (3) protests a call. Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

'Optimism is waning' that Cubs will reach 85% COVID-19 vaccination threshold

Last Friday, MLB confirmed that 12 clubs reached or surpassed the 85% vaccination threshold that allows the league to relax certain COVID-19 health and safety protocols. 

The Chicago Cubs weren't on that list then and aren't now. 

Per Jordan Bastian of the league's website, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer told reporters on Thursday it looks like the Chicago traveling party will fall short of the required percentage of vaccinated personnel.

Neither MLB nor the MLB Players Association is mandating vaccine shots for employees to participate in the season, but players and staff members linked with a club that reaches the 85% vaccination threshold don't have to worry about potentially landing on the COVID-19 injured list for violating coronavirus-related rules.

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