Didi Gregorius blames COVID-19 vaccine for his elbow issues

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Didi Gregorius claims that the COVID-19 vaccine is to blame for his right elbow condition.

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Didi Gregorius is coming off a strong 2020 campaign, which netted him a two-year, $28 million deal with the NL East squad. This season, however, Gregorius’ production on the field has taken a dip as the team is fighting for a postseason berth. The shortstop dealt with a right elbow condition this season, and feels the COVID-19 vaccine is to blame.

When speaking with the Philadelphia Inquirer prior to Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Cubs, Gregorius said that he has developed pseudogout, which is a form of arthritis that causes “sudden, painful swelling in one or more of your joints,” per the Mayo Clinic. Gregorius claims that he has been dealing with it months after he received the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Some people say it’s from the vaccine. I will say it’s likely from that, too,” Gregorius told The Inquirer. “But when you say that, everyone looks at you like you’re stupid because the vaccine is not supposed to be like that or give you that reaction.”

Medical experts dispute COVID-19 vaccine is the cause for Didi Gregorius’ elbow issue

In Matt Breen’s article linked above, the Inquirer did speak with medical experts regarding Gregorius’ claims that the vaccine is responsible for his right elbow issues.

Children Hospital of Philadelphia vaccine expert Paul Offit said that Gregious’ pseudogout “has nothing to do with the vaccine.” While Offit does say that the vaccine could cause a flare in pseudogout the shortstop already had it, but that it would only last for a few days. Spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America Ravina Kullar echoed Offit’s explanation, saying that she was not aware of individuals developing pseudogout after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Kullar says that while a reaction may be possible, it would not last long and that the individual’s doctor would have to rule out other causes.

Gregorius said he received the vaccine at his doctor’s recommendation, since the shortstop does suffer from a chronic kidney disorder. The veteran had been sidelined back on May 14 with elbow inflammation and was diagnosed with pseudogout back in June. Gregorius returned to the team on July 2.

Through 88 games this season, Gregorius recorded career-lows in batting average (.217) and on-base percentage (.276), while posting 11 home runs, 45 RBI, 31 runs and 69 hits.