Andrew Benintendi wouldn’t say whether he will get vaccinated for COVID-19 now that he’s with the first-place New York Yankees rather than the last-place Kansas City Royals.
A day after New York acquired the 28-year-old All-Star from the Royals for three minor league pitchers, Benintendi went 0 for 4 with a strikeout in his Yankees debut, a 1-0 win over his former team on Thursday night. Benintendi hit leadoff and played left field.
He was among 10 Royals who missed a four-game series at Toronto from July 14-17 because he was not vaccinated and could not enter Canada. He lost $186,813 of the $8.5 million salary.
Andrew Benintendi wouldn’t say whether he will get vaccinated for COVID-19 at the Yankees
Previously, Benintendi missed Kansas City Royals games in Canada because he isn’t jabbed
The Yankees have a three-game series at Toronto from Sept. 26-28.
‘Right now, you know, I’m still positioned in the same spot. I’m open-minded about it,’ Benintendi said. ‘I’m not against it, but time will tell as we get closer, but for now I’m just focused on getting here, getting comfortable, getting to know the guys and winning baseball games.’
Benintendi had not yet discussed the issue with his new team.
‘We’ll cross that bridge if and when we have to but I have not had that conversation,’ Yankees manager Aaron Boone said.
Benintendi went 0 for 4 with a strikeout in his Yankees debut, a 1-0 win over his former team
Benintendi had arrived with the Royals in New York and was in his hotel room when Royals manager Mike Matheny told him of the trade at about 11 p.m. Wednesday night.
‘It’s a weird situation,’ Benintendi said. ‘Obviously lacing it up with them yesterday and now I’m going against them today.’
Aaron Judge hit a walk-off homer in the ninth inning as the Yankees beat the Royals.
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