The Kansas City Royals will miss several of its players this weekend due to their vaccination status as the team travels to Toronto for a four-game series against the Blue Jays.
Royals manager Mike Matheny confirmed the team will be down 10 players, along with a few staff members, in light of Canada’s vaccination requirements.
“It’s an individual choice,” Matheny told the Kansas City Star. “The organization has done a real good job of bringing in professionals and experts to just talk guys through tough conversations and then put it in their hands to make their decision that they believe is best for them and their family.”
Royals President Dayton Moore supported the players’ decision while acknowledging choices affect the team.
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“We’ve always been an organization that kind of promotes and encourages their individual choices,” Moore said. “Unfortunately, some of this affects the team. We’re disappointed in some of that, but we realize it’s part of the game. It’s part of the world we live in.”
Outfielder Andrew Benintendi, first baseman Hunter Dozier, second baseman Whit Merrifield, outfielder Michael Taylor, and outfielder Kyle Isbel are among those who will reportedly miss the trip and be placed on the restricted list. Catchers MJ Melendez and Cam Gallagher, along with pitchers Brad Keller, Brady Singer, and Dylan Coleman, will also stay behind.
The 10 Royals players not traveling to Toronto will forfeit their pay and service time during the team’s four-day trip in Canada.
Four Phillies players also did not join their team on a trip to Toronto earlier this week due to the players’ vaccination status.
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Moore said minor league players will fill the vacated spots.
“We’re just really looking forward to providing these players that opportunity that are getting this chance to play in Toronto,” Moore said.
