Inside The Pinstripes

Unvaccinated Yankees, Mets Can't Play in Home Games Under Current Mandate in NYC

The vaccination mandate in New York City could have a significant impact on both the Yankees and Mets, keeping certain players off the field when the regular season begins.

Max Goodman

In this story:

TAMPA — As of Tuesday afternoon, any player on the Yankees who is unvaccinated against COVID-19 would not be allowed to play at Yankee Stadium, a City Hall spokesperson told the Daily News.

This vaccine mandate applies to the Mets and their home games at Citi Field as well.

In other words, the Yankees and Mets are now dealing with the same situation the Brooklyn Nets have been managing with star point guard Kyrie Irving.

According to the New York Daily News' report, the fact that baseball is played outside has no impact on this mandate and that the rule is subject to change. 

While the Yankees eclipsed the 85% threshold of vaccinated players last season, they have not reached 100% yet. 

According to Brendan Kuty of NJ Advance Media, two Yankees players remain unvaccinated. Kuty added that the Yankees believe New York City will reverse their decision not to allow unvaccinated players to participate in home games prior to Opening Day.

Three-time All-Star Aaron Judge was asked on Tuesday if he has received his vaccine. He sidestepped the question.

"I'm so focused on getting to this first game spring training," he said. "So I think we'll cross that bridge when the time comes. But right now, so many things could change. So I'm not really too worried about that right now."

In a statement, the Yankees said team president Randy Levine is "working with City Hall and all other appropriate officials on this matter."

The regular season doesn't start for three-plus weeks. The Yankees are scheduled to host the Red Sox in the Bronx on April 7. The Mets open their regular season schedule on the road, set to take the field in Queens for the first time on April 15.

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Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Yankees for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. Goodman has been on the Yankees beat for three seasons. He is also the publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Jets site, Jets Country. Before starting Inside The Pinstripes, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. At school, Goodman was an anchor and reporter with NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. While at Northwestern, Goodman interned with MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman. You can connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

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