Vaccination deadline for Yankee trip to Toronto passes, but Aaron Boone suggests all members of team may have had their shots

DETROIT — The deadline to get vaccinated in time to pass Canadian border requirements for the COVID-19 vaccine has passed for the Yankees’ first trip to Toronto. The Bombers are still not commenting on the vaccination status of their players, but Aaron Boone suggested that he expects to have his full roster against the Blue Jays.

“I think we’re going to be in a good spot. That’s my understanding,” the Yankees manager said before Tuesday’s series opener against the Tigers at Comerica Park.

When asked if anything had changed with the two unconfirmed players who were unvaccinated in spring training, Boone again did not answer directly.

DETROIT — The deadline to get vaccinated in time to pass Canadian border requirements for the COVID-19 vaccine has passed for the Yankees’ first trip to Toronto. The Bombers are still not commenting on the vaccination status of their players, but Aaron Boone suggested that he expects to have his full roster against the Blue Jays.

“I think we’re going to be in a good spot. That’s my understanding,” the Yankees manager said before Tuesday’s series opener against the Tigers at Comerica Park.

When asked if anything had changed with the two unconfirmed players who were unvaccinated in spring training, Boone again did not answer directly.

The Yankees play in Toronto May 2-4, June 17-19 and Sept. 26-28.

Aaron Hicks was back in the leadoff spot for the third straight game Tuesday night and it paid off. The center-fielder, who has reached base in each of his eight games with a plate appearance, had a hit, walked twice, drove in a run and scored twice. He also stole a base.

“I certainly like how he started the year. He’s getting on base, gives you that switching element. I like the way he’s moving. He’s running well,” Boone said. “So I still feel like we have a number of candidates that could do that. But I do like Aaron right now his ability to get on base from both sides.”

Hicks is coming off missing most of last season after suffering a wrist injury that required surgery. That came as he was just getting back into the mix after 2019 Tommy John surgery.

The 32-year old looks fully healthy for the first time in three years and Boone sees that in his movement on the field.

“Seeing them beat out some hits already feels like he’s getting down the line really well,” Boone said. “It’s just having (running) as a focal point and it should be a part of this game. We want to take advantage (of the speed) when there are those opportunities (to steal bases).”

The Yankees arrived in Detroit Monday to a blizzard. It snowed for three hours on the off day here. The snow was gone on Tuesday, but the temperatures were still frigid. Twenty minutes before the first pitch it was 40 degrees.

It’s just part of the season, Boone said.

“I mean it’s one of those things you know you have to deal with in the first month of the season from time to time,” Boone said. “It’s a warm weather sport but everyone deals with it at different times throughout the year. Obviously playing in New York and playing in the east and then you come here to Detroit, you know that these days are going to happen in the month of April. So guys have had enough experience doing it and nothing really changes.”