In the first week of an abbreviated spring training, suddenly the New York Yankees and Mets have a deeper concern as they prepare for Opening Day.
Certain players might not be eligible to participate at Yankee Stadium or at Citi Field.
New York City’s private sector mandate requiring businesses to have a fully vaccinated workforce applies to both of its professional baseball teams.
The mandate, put in place by former mayor Bill de Blasio on Dec. 27, was upheld by new mayor Eric Adams.
Yankees slugger Aaron Judge sidestepped a question Tuesday about his COVID vaccination status, and the mandate’s potential impact on the club.
“I’m still focused on just getting to the first games of spring training, so, I think we’ll cross that bridge whenever the time comes,’’ Judge said. “So many things could change, so, I’m not really too worried about that right now.’’
Later Monday afternoon, the Yankees released a brief statement.
“On behalf of the Yankees, (club president) Randy Levine is working with City Hall and all other appropriate officials on this matter. We will have no further comment.’’
The Yankees are scheduled to open the 2022 season at home, on April 7, against the Boston Red Sox.
The Mets’ home opener is scheduled for April 15 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
In a well-known situation, unvaccinated Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving has been unable to play home games at Barclays Center and road games at Madison Square Garden, due to the NYC mandate.
