Andrelton Simmons Declines Vaccine, Gets Covid-19

Minnesota Twins shortstop Andrelton Simmons tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday. The shortstop was placed on the COVID-19 injury list ahead of the team’s doubleheader with the Boston Red Sox.

The shortstop is known to be skeptical of the covid vaccine. Last month, he made a Twitter announcement saying that he will not take the vaccine or advocate for it.  “I’ve received some questions and some requests regarding the vaccine,” Simmons wrote. “And for personal reasons and experience, I will not be taking it or advocating for it. I hope I don’t have to explain myself. And hope you all make the best decision for you and your family’s health.”

Last week, the team was offered vaccines, and Simmons decline to be vaccinated. When asked if he would take a vaccine, he said that he is unsure if he would in the future.

Twins’ president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said that Simmons was experiencing “mild symptoms” and was resting at home. The team received positive test results after the Twins’ 4-2 loss to the Red Sox on Tuesday. The shortstop was replaced by infielder JT Riddle.

Minnesota held a team meeting to remind players about protocols and precautions even though a majority of the team have been vaccinated. “We’re not out of the woods by any means on that front,” Falvey said. “Now is the time to be as vigilant as possible.”

“We want to continue to educate people in the environment. This is real,” Falvey told the team. “We know that from looking not just across our sport, but across all sports and across the country and the world. Our view of that is constantly reminding people of why we think it’s a good idea to get vaccinated,” Falvey explained. “Our docs have recommended that, and so we continue to provide them as resources to players, to learn as much as they can about this.”

Hopefully Simmons will be okay and good to resume to baseball activities in a week or two.