Kansas City Royals two-time All-Star Whit Merrifield lamented his “vague” comments about the COVID-19 vaccination after not traveling to Canada with the team on Friday.
Due to reluctance to vaccinate, Merrifield and nine other team players did not travel to Toronto last week for a four-match series against the Blue Jays before the All-Star break.
The 33-year-old second baseman and outfielder has been a fan-favorite player at Kansas City.
However, he was heavily criticized after he said that “Vika is not doing what it should have done. If it did what it should have done and stopped the spread of COVID (then), I would be a little more prepared to put it, but it’s not. ,
The player attempted to clarify those comments before the Royals began home games against Tampa Bay in the second half of the season.
“I’m sorry I misunderstood the idea I was trying to explain,” Merrifield said.
“It’s an uncomfortable topic and I began to try and explain my passion for winning, which has nothing to do with the topic I was dealing with. I’m really sorry for that.”
Merrifield has played with Kansas City his entire career, but some fans were outraged that he indicated in a comment that he might get a shot if he was traded to another team.
“Don’t say what people misunderstood, I misunderstood the idea I was trying to say,” Merrifield said. “If what stood between me and the playoffs was the vaccine, I would consider getting it. I didn’t say I would apply it to any other team, or that I wouldn’t apply it to this club, I just wanted to show it Trying to see how much I value playing in the playoffs.”
Rails manager Mike Matheny said Merrifield addressed the issue of his comments with the team and his love for Kansas City.
“He has spoken with the group here and with everyone on an individual level and we have moved on”; Matheny said.
Merrifield is batting .240 with 36 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. The player said that he is ready to accept any feedback from Royals fans.
