Washington Nationals manager Davey Martinez says he will take the COVID-19 vaccine when available. However, he won’t force players to be vaccinated.
“All I can say about that is when it’s our turn to take the vaccine and they offer it to me, I’ll take it,” Martinez said, per NBC Sports Washington. “I can’t speak for anybody else [but] I’ll tell you for me, I had some family members who had COVID. I wish they had the vaccine already for them but I will definitely be on that waiting list and welcome it.”
Martinez expressed his concerns in July about the coronavirus during the 2020 season, saying he was “scared” following an outbreak within the Miami Marlins. He wore a mask throughout the season.
Martinez underwent a heart catheterization in September 2019 after experiencing chest pains during a game. His heart issues puts him in “high-risk” for complications of the virus, according to the CDC.
Martinez added he will wear a mask once again next season. Yet, he won’t be overly concerned about being around players who decide not to take the vaccination.
