Royals’ Whit Merrifield apologizes for COVID-19 vaccine comments

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Whit Merrifield, the Kansas City Royals' second baseman and outfielder, apologized Friday for comments he made before Kansas City’s trip to Toronto prior to the All-Star break while explaining his reasoning for not receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. 

Merrifield was one of 10 Kansas City players unable to make the trip to Toronto due to being unvaccinated. 

The Kansas City Royals' Whit Merrifield watches from the dugout during the second inning of the second game of a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers July 11, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo.  (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

"I’m sorry that I poorly articulated the point I was trying to make," Merrifield said. 

"It’s an uncomfortable topic, and I started rambling on and trying to make a point about my passion for winning that had no relevance to the topic that was being discussed. For that I am truly sorry.

ROYALS’ PRESIDENT SAYS WHIT MERRIFIELD ‘SORRY’ FOR COMMENTS MADE WHEN EXPLAINING VACCINE DECISION

"I didn’t say people misunderstood it, I poorly articulated the point I was trying to say," Merrifield added. "If what was standing between me and the playoffs was this vaccine, I would consider getting it. I didn’t say I would get it for another team or wouldn’t get it for this team. It was simply a point about showing how much I value playing in the playoffs." 

The two-time All-Star found himself in hot water when he explained his decision to remain unvaccinated when he insinuated that if he was on a team in playoff contention, he might consider getting the vaccine.

Andrew Benintendi of the Kansas City Royals talks to teammate Whit Merrifield during a game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid