Optimism 'waning' that Cubs will reach vaccination threshold

Chicago Cubs manager David Ross (3) protests a call. Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

'Optimism is waning' that Cubs will reach 85% COVID-19 vaccination threshold

By Zac Wassink | Last updated May 20, 2021 2:11 PM ET

Last Friday, MLB confirmed that 12 clubs reached or surpassed the 85% vaccination threshold that allows the league to relax certain COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

The Chicago Cubs weren't on that list then and aren't now.

Per Jordan Bastian of the league's website, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer told reporters on Thursday it looks like the Chicago traveling party will fall short of the required percentage of vaccinated personnel.

Cubs pres. of baseball ops Jed Hoyer said his "optimism is waning" when it comes to the Tier 1 group reaching 85% vaccination threshold.

"It's disappointing, yeah. It's disappointing to not be at 85% as a team."

Said it's "irrefutable" that it provides competitive advantage.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) May 20, 2021

Neither MLB nor the MLB Players Association is mandating vaccine shots for employees to participate in the season, but players and staff members linked with a club that reaches the 85% vaccination threshold don't have to worry about potentially landing on the COVID-19 injured list for violating coronavirus-related rules.

It starts with contact tracing. Won't have to sit out if simply close contacts and of course less will test positive. Then there's the more ancillary impact...being on the field together, etc. leaving your darn hotel, eating indoors, living life! Yes, advantage for those that can https://t.co/KEvfnkiyWz
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) May 20, 2021

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

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