“I’d rather have a vaccine than the virus”- Whit Merrifield qualified for home games after getting jabbed

Whit Merrifield

Whit Merrifield, a recently acquired Toronto Blue Jays infielder/outfielder, informed reporters on Thursday that he had received the COVID-19 vaccination. As a result, he will be qualified to play in the team’s remaining home games as well as, should they make the playoffs, in the postseason. Except in extremely rare, exceptional circumstances, the Canadian government does not permit passengers who have not received a COVID-19 vaccination to pass through its borders.

Just before the Aug. 2 deadline, the Blue Jays traded for Merrifield from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for three other players. Merrifield was one of the ten Royals players who couldn’t go to Toronto last month because of their immunization status, but he now claims that the situation has improved.

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Whit Merrifield is vaccinated and fully ready for the home games

Whit Merrifield vaccinated and ready to go

Merrifield may have been inspired to get immunized by the Blue Jays’ reputation as contenders and the fact that they play their home games in Canada. International visitors must wait 14 days after receiving either the first dose of the single-dose vaccine or the second dose of the two-dose vaccine before entering Canada, under Canadian law. The following Blue Jays‘ home game is on Friday, August 12.

At the time, Merrifield did state that he was open to getting vaccinated, for instance, if his team was in contention for a playoff spot: “It’s been a long thought process because I understand what Canada has in place right now. That’s the only reason I would think about getting it at this point, is to go to Canada. That might change down the road.

He continued, “If something happens and I happen to get on a team that has a chance to go play in Canada in the postseason, maybe that changes. But as we sit here right now, I’m comfortable with my decision, my teammates support me, support the rest of the guys in here who have made that decision, and that’s that.”

Whit Merrifield said he’s “excited” to be a #BlueJays. I asked him if he received the covid vaccine:
“Yes.. I will be there when the team gets home.” pic.twitter.com/qJ4ytId0kT
— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) August 4, 2022