The first domino has fallen.
Trade season has officially begun.
The New York Yankees were the first team to make a big move, acquiring outfielder Andrew Benintendi from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for three minor leaguers.
One of the major questions about Benintendi and whether or not teams were going to pursue him was his vaccination status.
Benintendi as of now is not vaccinated against COVID-19, which prevented him from being able to travel with the Royals north of the border to play the Toronto Blue Jays.
However, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today on Twitter, Benintendi now plans to get vaccinated.
He conveyed this message to the Royals and teams who were looking into acquiring him.
All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi plans to get vaccinated after being traded to the #Yankees. He
recently informed #Royals officials of his decision, which was conveyed to several teams before the trade.— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 28, 2022
Benintendi Plans To Be Vaxxed
This is good news for the Yankees.
With one more trip to Toronto scheduled for late September, it’s important for the Yankees to have everybody available and healthy.
It’s good that Benintendi is now willing to get vaccinated.
This means that the Yankees will be at full strength down the stretch barring some injuries, and that Benintendi will be able to come along for the ride when they make their last trip of the season to Toronto.
The Yankees have the best record in all of baseball and are leading the American League East division by 11.5 games.
Benintendi gives them an extra bat, which was needed given the struggles of Joey Gallo.
Interestingly enough, the Yankees will begin a series tonight at home against the Kansas City Royals.
All Benintendi has to do is take his gear over to the Yankees clubhouse.
We’ll see how the move pans out for the Yankees.
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