Chicago White Sox general manager Rick Hahn indicated that the team would need to make some roster moves before traveling to Toronto.
“Our current active roster is not 100% waxing,” Hahn said on Saturday. “As a result, two players will need to be replaced when we get there.
“Other teams have had to deal with it in their own way and respect the fact that there is a law of the land out there, and we will comply.”
The Sox announced the move on Monday, placing pitcher Dylan Siege and reliever Kendall Graveman on the banned list. The Sox also recalled pitcher Kyle Crick from Triple-A Charlotte and placed pitcher Dallas Ketchell on a waiver for the purpose of granting an unconditional release.
The Sox will begin their three-match series against the Blue Jays in Toronto on Tuesday.
“The baseball rule, or administrative rule, that applies is that those (without vaccination) players get on the banned list and are eligible for replacement in accordance with the rules,” Hahn said.
According to an April 25 ESPN article, “The Canadian government is not allowing unvaccinated travelers to cross the border—except in special circumstances, such as funerals for family members. As a result, any Major League Baseball player can Not vaccinated, he will not be allowed to travel to Canada.”
“Everyone has their reasons for what they do or don’t do,” Sox manager Tony La Russa said on Saturday. “I’m not angry with anyone’s decision.”
The clash against the Cubs began on Sunday, leaving one unearned run on two hits in seven innings. Graveman is 1-1 with 2.78 ERA, 19 strikeouts, two saves and 10 holds.
“We obviously want our full roster at any time, whether someone is unavailable because of these restrictions or because of health issues or injury or whatever,” Hahn said. “It’s definitely nothing you look forward to.
“As an organization from the top to the bottom overall, we have been united in terms of subjugating and doing everything in our power to protect people, take care of ourselves, care for our peers, families and communities. Tremendous work done. And as an organization as a whole, we can be very proud of that and it has set a really good example for others.
“The fact that some individuals have exercised their right to make a personal choice, I respect it. And look forward to our (Friday) visits with them again in Tampa.
Crick is 1-0 with 5.14 ERA in eight relief appearances. The Sox named Keschel for Saturday’s assignment.
,
