Shortly before the regular season began, Major League Baseball sent a memo to teams to try to encourage players and team officials to get vaccinated for COVID-19. If 85% of the team’s traveling party -- tier 1 people like players and coaches -- the league would relax some health and safety protocols.
Since coming back to Pittsburgh, the Pirates have begun to administer vaccines to those who wished to participate.
In his radio show on 93.7 The Fan Sunday, Ben Cherington didn’t give a percentage or how many people have taken part so far, but said that there was a “strong level of participation.”
“I think we’ll continue to support that if people in our travel party, or people around the team are interested, we’ll find a way to support that,” Cherington said to Pirates broadcaster Greg Brown. “We certainly believe it’s good for the Pirates, good for everyone to participate in that.”
While the Pirates are encouraging people to get a shot, Cherington said he respects the opinions of those on the team who do not participate.
All players who participated were available for Saturday’s game against the Cubs. Across the league, some players have had to miss a day or two because they experience symptoms after the shot.
Cherington said they will spread out the administration of the second Pfizer shot to make sure that they don’t run the risk of being without a group of players at the same time.
There’s no indication if the Pirates will either make or fall short of that 85% threshold, but it has obvious appeal for all parties.
“We’ve worked and played under pretty strict protocols now for over a year now,” Cherington said. “Some of the ways that we were all operating in the past may return as we get to higher levels of vaccination. But more importantly, it’s just to keep people safe.”
MORE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
• Cherington said that Ke'Bryan Hayes (left wrist) will be examined by team doctors this week, which will determine the pace they will take in his return.
"We still feel good about the prognosis," Cherington said.
Hayes is eligible to come off the injured list Wednesday, but the Pirates can keep him on it longer. He has started to take ground balls, but it does not sound like he has swung a bat yet.
• Phillip Evans has been the beneficiary of that playing time in Hayes' absence, and he has been the Pirates' best hitter so far. Once Hayes returns, Cherington said that Evans could go back to his utility role, bouncing around the diamond, though it could be in an everyday capacity.
"When you're doing what he's doing, managers will find a way to put you in the lineup," Cherington said.
• Right-hander Tyler Bashlor has cleared waivers and has been outrighted to the alternate site. He was designated for assignment last week to add Wilmer Difo off the taxi squad.