September has finally rolled around, marking the date at which MLB Network's vaccine policy goes into effect. The policy makes it mandatory that all MLB Network employees are vaccinated against COVID-19, but it seems as though two unwilling members of the team have found a workaround in their desire to steer clear of vaccination.
As it turns out, they're two pretty prominent employees: Hall of Famer John Smoltz and fellow former starter Al Leiter, both of whom are analysts for the network. As reported by Andrew Marchand of the New York Post, both refused the vaccine and will no longer be able to appear in-studio as a result of their decision. However, they'll still be a part of MLB Network, making a "compromise" with executives to stay on in their roles while working remotely.
Neither of the two analysts, nor the network, opened up on the story to Marchand.
Smoltz has been with the network since 2010 in addition to serving as Fox's lead MLB game analyst. He was nominated for a Sports Emmy Award in 2017 for Outstanding Sports Event Analyst. Leiter was part of the original on-air team, beginning when the network started in 2009, and has been nominated for four Sports Emmy Awards for Outstanding Sports Personality - Studio Analyst in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016. He's also in an advisory role for the Mets' baseball operations department.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram