Editor’s Note: The COVID-19 situation, in sports and around the world, is constantly evolving. Readers in Canada can consult the country’s public health website for the latest.
The Boston Red Sox will be without two right-handed pitchers for their four-game set in Toronto against the Blue Jays due to rules regarding vaccination status and cross-border travel.
Starter Tanner Houck and reliever Kutter Crawford were placed on the restricted list ahead of the series. The two players will not be paid for the four games missed.
Right-handers Tyler Danish and John Schreiber were recalled from triple-A Worcester in their place.
Houck confirmed his vaccination status in an interview with the Boston Globe earlier this month.
“I think it’s a personal choice for everyone whether they get it or not,” Houck told The Globe.
Unvaccinated individuals wishing to travel into Canada may be “denied entry into Canada, required to quarantine for 14 days, or required to quarantine until you depart Canada,” according to the federal government’s website. The federal government lifted an exemption in January that allowed unvaccinated athletes and other entertainers to enter Canada without a quarantine.
Houck, 25, is in his second full major league season and has made four appearances — including three starts — for the Red Sox this season. In 15.2 innings he has a 2.87 ERA with 13 strikeouts.
Crawford, 25, made one appearance in 2021 and has come out of the bullpen five times so far this season. In seven innings in 2022, he has a 9.00 ERA with 11 strikeouts.
The Blue Jays and Red Sox open their four-game set Monday night on Sportsnet ONE and Sportsnet NOW. First pitch is scheduled for 7:07 p.m. ET/ 4:07 p.m. PT.