Unvaccinated Red Sox Starting Pitcher Will Not Start in Toronto Next Week

A little over an hour ago, one Blue Jays writer projected this week's pitching match-ups for the division rivalry series between Toronto and Boston. Those projections included Tanner Houck squaring off against Kevin Gausman on Thursday. Due to recent developments, things aren't looking so promising for Boston anymore.

#BlueJays probables vs. Red Sox next week…
Tuesday: Yusei Kikuchi vs. Nathan Eovaldi
Wednesday: José Berríos vs. Nick Pivetta
Thursday: Kevin Gausman vs. Tanner Houck

— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) April 17, 2022

Early this afternoon, several Boston reporters revealed that Houck is unvaccinated. Because of Canadian border restrictions against unvaccinated athletes, Houck will not be able to travel to Toronto with his team this week to battle the Blue Jays.

Tanner Houck tells the Globe that he’s not vaccinated against COVID-19. Because of Canada’s vaccine mandate, Houck won’t be able to pitch next Tuesday in Toronto.

“I think it’s a personal choice for everyone whether they get it or not,” Houck said

https://t.co/Jj2tNquABz

— Julian McWilliams (@byJulianMack) April 17, 2022

Houck defended his choice, saying he thinks "it's a personal choice for everyone whether they get [the vaccine] or not."  The choice is certainly a heavy one for Houck and his teammates as the young right-hander appeared to be finding his groove after his shutout performance against the Minnesota Twins. The 25-year-old pitched 5.2 innings, allowing no runs, two hits, and picking up the win. 

Boston is yet to announce who will pitch in his stead in Toronto this week. 

Photo Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports