Despite being one of the first MLB teams to reach the 85-percent vaccination threshold among “Tier 1” employees, COVID continues to plague the Yankees and decimate its roster. As of August 13th, 14 players have combined for 15 stints on the COVID-19 list in 2021 (along with coaches Matt Blake, Reggie Willits and Phil Nevin). Together, the virus and injuries have led to 43 IL stints on the Yankees this season—a record for the franchise.
Regarding COVID, Aaron Boone recently remarked that “it definitely does feel like we’ve been hit a little harder (than other teams).