Arrieta, Bryant share views on Cubs not reaching 85% vaccinated
One topic after Friday's game was the Cubs not hitting the 85% threshold of players and coaches vaccinated for COVID-19.
Per MLB guidelines, teams that reach the 85% level can loosen some pandemic restrictions, like no masks in the dugout or bullpen, and the ability to gather indoors with teammates without masks.
It was clear Jake Arrieta and Kris Bryant had different views on the topic, Arrieta bringing up the fact that several Yankees staff members tested positive despite being fully vaccinated.
“It seems like things change daily. So who knows?” Arrieta said. “I don't necessarily see that as a competitive advantage or disadvantage. I know we do have a lot of guys vaccinated. We have not had any cases in the past month. So we're doing OK as a group. And we're being careful about where we go and who we're around.
“I know from my experience, I'm hanging around my teammates and my family and that's it. I think my chances of coming into contact with COVID-19 are extremely low, based on the people that I spend time with. That's what I'm focused on, minimizing the risk as much as possible.”
Bryant, who said he did get vaccinated, was asked if he'd like to see the Cubs be able to loosen some of the health protocols.
“Yeah, it would be great,” he said. “But I don't know if we're going to get there. The peace of mind for me is something I really wanted this year and I got that. It certainly would be nice to have one locker room instead of seeing half the other guys on the other side of the world.
“That's the cards we're dealt right now and that's what we're going to deal with and kind of go with it on the fly. Maybe we'll get there, maybe we won't, but hopefully everybody stays safe and we'll get through the season.”
Earlier in the day, manager David Ross said the team is still encouraging people to get vaccinated and reach the 85% level. But Bryant said it wasn't a big topic of conversation in the clubhouse.
“It's not really focus of mine to convince anybody otherwise,” Bryant said. “I got it and I have a piece of mind knowing I'm on the field and want to be on the field this whole season. It's an individual question for everybody. I'm not in the business of asking people if they have it or not. I personally got it and I feel great; great piece of mind.”
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