Group of Red Sox players to get vaccinated after Patriots Day game vs. White Sox

Following Monday's 11 a.m. game against the Chicago White Sox, a group of Boston Red Sox players will receive the COVID-19 vaccine, manager Alex Cora said prior to first pitch, according to the Boston Herald's Jason Mastrodonato.

The news comes on the day that everyone age 16 or older in the United States becomes eligible for the vaccine. 

The Red Sox had medical professionals present information to the players about the vaccine so players could make their own decision on whether or not to be vaccinated. 

"It was very eye opening and instructive," Cora said. "For those who had doubts or still have questions at that point, it was very important for the organization to do this. This is not about 'just get the vaccine so we can have benefits in the dugout and clubhouse,' this is more about off the field stuff. And I'm glad we provided them with that help and hopefully they make the decision that it's going to help everybody, not only here but around the area, your family and dealing with the pandemic."

Major League Baseball is not requiring players to get vaccinated, but the league and MLBPA are highly encouraging it. The league said that teams who have at least 85% of their Tier 1 players and staff vaccinated will have relaxed health and safety protocols.

Some players across MLB have already been fully vaccinated. For example, the San Francisco Giants placed two players on the injured list who are still experiencing side effects from the second dose of the vaccine.