Left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin will not travel with the Detroit Tigers to Rogers Centre in Toronto for the team’s four-game series against the Blue Jays due to Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements.
Chafin is the only unvaccinated player on the current roster. He will be replaced by right-hander Bryan Garcia, who will likely start Friday’s game after transitioning into the rotation with Triple-A Toledo.
“It’s an unfortunate situation, but it is what it is,” Chafin said.
The 32-year-old said refusing the vaccine is a family decision.
“Me and my wife talked about getting it or not getting it, and we decided it was best for our family if we didn’t,” Chafin said. “For me, family life and personal life comes before anything. We decided as a family it was best to go this route, and we’re willing to deal with the consequences.”
A nine-year MLB veteran, Chafin has a 2.53 ERA with 10 walks and 39 strikeouts across 32 innings in 37 appearances this season.
Chafin signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Tigers in March, but he has a player option after this season, meaning he can return to free agency as soon as this offseason. He could be traded at the Aug. 2 deadline, as the Tigers’ bullpen is expected to lose at least a couple members to playoff contenders.
“Obviously it crosses my mind,” said Chafin, previously traded at the 2020 and 2021 trade deadlines. “I’m a lefty reliever. We’re always up for auction, let’s be honest. It’s something I can’t really worry about. I’ll prepare for it, but this is the third year in a row, so at this point, it’s just another year.”
Would Chafin considering getting vaccinated if the Tigers traded him to a team pushing for the postseason, knowing that could mean pitching in meaningful games in Toronto against the Blue Jays?
“We’ll see what happens,” he said. “If the situation calls for it, maybe.”
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