“The organization has done a real good job of bringing in professionals and experts to just talk guys through tough conversations and put it in their hands to make a decision that they believe is best for them and their family,” he said after the team’s 5-2 win over the Detroit Tigers in Kansas City on Wednesday.
“It was a personal decision, and I’m going to leave it at that,” said Andrew Benintendi, the team’s lone All-Star representative this season.
“I’m not against vaccines, so it’s just a personal preference,” said Hunter Dozier. “I’m not judging anyone who wanted to get it or who didn’t want to get it.”
Along with the players, Matheny said a few staff members will also not be traveling to Canada.
“Do we want our Major League team on the field? The answer is yes,” Matheny said. “But right now, this is the situation that we’re in. We’re looking forward to somebody else stepping in and making the most out of the opportunity.”
“But at the end of the day, it’s their choice,” Moore said, according to the Star. “It’s what they decide to do. And we’ve always been an organization that kind of promotes and encourages their individual choices. Unfortunately, some of this affects the team. We’re disappointed in some of that, but we realize it’s part of the game. It’s part of the world we live in, and we’re just really looking forward to providing these players that opportunity that are getting this chance to play in Toronto.”
The Royals’ four-game series is scheduled to begin on Thursday. They are in last place in the American League’s Central Division with a record of 35-53.
CNN’s Jill Martin contributed to this report.