MLB reports increase in positive COVID-19 cases and vaccinations

MLB had its roughest week of the 2021 campaign as it pertains to COVID-19 since the season-opening series between the New York Mets and Washington Nationals was scrapped due to coronavirus concerns impacting the Nationals. 

MLB and the MLB Players Association confirmed on Friday that three new players and seven staff members tested positive for COVID-19 over the past week. To compare, zero players and only one staff member from an alternate site returned positive results during the previous testing period. 

New York Yankees shortstop Gleyber Torres along with seven total staff members from New York's traveling party, including at least three coaches, all tested positive this week and are considered "breakthrough cases" since they were previously fully vaccinated. San Diego Padres star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. and right fielder Wil Myers also tested positive. 

Manager Aaron Boone said Thursday that all of New York's cases were asymptomatic. 

MLB unveiled some positive news heading into the halfway point of May, though, as it confirmed that 12 total clubs have now reached or surpassed the 85% vaccination threshold that allows for the loosening of certain health and safety protocols. Additionally, 83.9% of all MLB Tier 1 players, managers, coaches and other essential personnel have received at least one vaccine dose, while 77.6% of Tier 1 individuals are now considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19.