The Latest: MLB says COVID rules closer to being relaxed

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:

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Major League Baseball says 70% of players, on-field staff and support personnel have been fully or partially vaccinated for the novel coronavirus.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred made the announcement during SporticoLive’s online discussion of its estimates to baseball franchise valuations.

In an email to The Associated Press, Manfred said his figure referred to all individuals defined as Tier 1 in MLB’s protocols, which includes players, on-field personnel such as managers, coaches and athletic trainers, plus essential personnel who need to be in close proximity. He said the 70% figure includes partial vaccinations for those receiving two-stage vaccines.

MLB told players on March 29 that COVID-19 protocol restrictions would be relaxed when 85% of Tier 1 personnel are vaccinated.

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Sepp Straka has withdrawn from the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook after testing positive for the coronavirus.

Straka is the third player to test positive this week. Will Gordon and Brice Garnett withdrew after a positive test on Monday.

This is the fourth PGA Tour event since golf resumed in June with at three positive coronavirus test results, and the second time in the last six tournaments. Three players tested positive at the Honda Classic in March.

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Boston’s pro sports teams could be playing in front of full-capacity crowds by August, according to new Massachusetts COVID-19 reopening guidelines.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s office announced Tuesday that capacity at large venues, such as indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas and ballparks, can increase from their current level of 12% to 25% beginning May 10.

Those limits would then increase to 100% for all businesses on Aug. 1 as...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/The-Latest-NHL-preparing-to-adjust-Cup-playoffs-16132707.php