Major League Baseball will not require minor league players to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to play in 2022, according to a memo sent to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
However, managers and coaches, will need to be “up to date” with their vaccinations in order to have direct contact with the players.
MLB provided the following statement to ESPN:
“Our expert consultants have advised that fully up-to-date vaccination of all on-field staff and others with close player contact provides a safer environment in which to prevent infection and transmission. Reasonable accommodations will be considered for staff members who receive an exemption to this requirement. Such exemptions will be considered on an individual basis and in accordance with state law. We continue to strongly encourage vaccination among Minor League players and make resources available to Minor League teams and players toward that goal.”
The minor league baseball season will proceed as scheduled, despite MLB and the MLB Players Association still in lockout.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].