Mariners' Drew Steckenrider on restricted list ahead of series at Blue Jays

As of the middle of May, the Canadian government still requires visitors, including MLB players, to be considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the country. It was reported earlier this month that the entire New York Yankees squad was vaccinated before the Bronx Bombers headed up north to face the Toronto Blue Jays. 

Canada's vaccination guidelines are seemingly still presenting issues for other clubs ahead of the Memorial Day holiday. 

According to The Associated Press (h/t ESPN), the Seattle Mariners placed right-handed relief pitcher Drew Steckenrider on the restricted list before Monday's matchup at Toronto that begins a three-game series. Assuming Steckenrider isn't vaccinated against the coronavirus, he would not be paid and would not accrue major league service time for contests missed while on the list. 

In a corresponding roster move, Seattle promoted left-hander Roenis Elias from Triple-A Tacoma. 

Thus far this season, Steckenrider has made 14 relief appearances for the Mariners and has gone 0-1 with a 4.85 ERA and a pair of saves. Elias, meanwhile, had posted a 4.30 ERA across 11 total appearances, one start, and 14.2 innings of work for Triple-A Tacoma. 

The AP notes that this is Seattle's only trip to Toronto for the 2022 regular season. Canada considers individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19 14 days after they've received a second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or 14 days past getting the one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot.