Red Sox to be without multiple unvaccinated players during series vs. Blue Jays

Following the conclusion of a seven-game homestand this week, the Boston Red Sox will play the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-contest slate on the road. Then the Red Sox will open up a big four-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays north of the border from April 25 to April 28.

Despite the road series against the Blue Jays still being over one week away, Boston is already all but certain that they'll be down multiple players, and it won't be due to injury.

"Manager Alex Cora said the Boston Red Sox expect to be without multiple unvaccinated players for an upcoming series against the Toronto Blue Jays in Canada. Starting pitcher Tanner Houck told the Boston Globe on Sunday that he is not vaccinated against COVID-19 and won't pitch during the four-game series beginning Monday, April 25. He would have been in line to start the second game," an ESPN report said. "To enter Canada, the Canadian government requires a person must have received a second COVID-19 vaccine dose -- or one dose of Johnson & Johnson -- at least 14 days prior to entry."

Per ESPN, Houck said "I'm bummed that I won't be able to make that start", referring his upcoming missed outing in Toronto.

Red Sox seven-time All-Star starting pitcher Chris Sale revealed in March that he was still not vaccinated against COVID-19. Sale is currently on the shelf with a rib injury and hasn't pitched yet this season.

In the NBA, Philadelphia 76ers shooting guard Matisse Thybulle recently made headlines due to his ineligibility for upcoming road playoff games against the Toronto Raptors.