Fansided

Tanner Houck’s vaccine choice impact Red Sox down the stretch

By Mark Powell

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 18: Tanner Houck #89 of the Boston Red Sox pitches in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox during game one of a double header at Fenway Park on April 18, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 18: Tanner Houck #89 of the Boston Red Sox pitches in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox during game one of a double header at Fenway Park on April 18, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /
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Boston Red Sox starter Tanner Houck will not be able to pitch against the Blue Jays in Canada due to his COVID-19 vaccination status.

Houck is willing to do anything for this Red Sox team to help them win, minus getting the COVID-19 vaccine. In that case, he takes after teammate Chris Sale.

Pedantry aside, one of the Red Sox brightest young stars will not be able to travel to Toronto for the team’s series against the Blue Jays due to his COVID-19 vaccination status. He confirmed this in an interview with The Boston Globe.

“I think it’s a personal choice for everyone whether they get it or not,” Houck told the Globe. “So, that’s all I really got to say on it.”

Tanner Houck COVID-19 vaccination status

Houck used the classic line from most who don’t want to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, stating it’s a personal choice.

Unfortunately, the number of vaccinated Americans impacts…all Americans. It’s personal, and uniquely communal in its own way. While the pandemic has undoubtedly lifted some, we have yet to reach herd immunity. A new COVID-19 strain could set us back a bit, and I (along with the rest of you, surely shaking your heads at me) would rather avoid that sad reality.

Regardless of how you feel about a country-wide COVID-19 vaccine mandate, Canada has one. That’s the reality.

“I’m definitely bummed that I won’t be able to make that start,” Houck said. “But the starts that I am able to make, I plan on giving 100 percent for this team, if not more, so. Anything I can do for this team to help them win, I’ll do it.”

Until the vaccine mandate is lifted in Canada, this will be a storyline in sports. As of now Houck will not be able to appear in Boston’s series in Toronto in late June and late September/early October.

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has yet to hint at such a change. Should Boston and Toronto be fighting for a playoff spot, Houck’s status will be impacted by his inability to travel across the border.

Not to mention any looming postseason matchups.

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