One of the big trade deadline acquisitions for the Toronto Blue Jays will be available to play in home games down the stretch.
Blue Jays infielder/outfielder Whit Merrifield confirmed Thursday that he has been vaccinated against COVID-19.
"For a couple weeks now, I've understood that this might be a possibility and I'll be in Toronto when the team goes there," Merrifield said.
Merrifield was acquired from the Royals at Tuesday's trade deadline for right-hander Max Castillo and infielder Samad Taylor.
The 33-year-old was one of 10 Royals players who were placed on the restricted list ahead of last month's series in Toronto against the Blue Jays.
Merrifield left the door open to changing his stance on getting vaccinated if he was dealt to a contending team that needed to play in Canada.
"That's the only reason that I would think about getting it at this point, is to go to Canada," Merrifield said in July, according to MLB.com's Anne Rogers. "(If) something happens and I happen to get on a team that has a chance to go play in Canada in the postseason, maybe that changes. But as we sit here right now, I'm comfortable in my decision."
Merrifield will make his Blue Jays debut on Thursday against the Minnesota Twins. He's in the lineup batting eighth and playing center field.