The Tigers won't have lefty reliever Andrew Chafin when they travel north for a four-game series with the Blue Jays this weekend due to Canada's COVID-19 vaccination mandates; Chafin is the lone unvaccinated player on the Tigers' active roster. He will be placed on the restricted list during his absence, A.J. Hinch announced Wednesday.
"It’s an unfortunate situation, but it’s one of those things, it kind of is what it is," Chafin said after delivering another scoreless outing to lower his season ERA to 2.53 in the Tigers' win over the Padres Wednesday.
Chafin, who signed a two-year, $13 million deal with the Tigers in March, won't be paid while on the restricted list. He said he and his wife talked about getting the vaccine and "decided it was best for our family if we didn’t."
Asked if it was a difficult decision knowing he'd have to step away from the team, Chafin said, "For me, family life and personal life comes before anything. Like I said, we decided as a family it was best to go this route, and we’re willing to deal with the consequences."
For Chafin and the Tigers, those consequences could extend beyond this weekend. The 32-year-old lefty is expected to be one of the more sought-after relievers ahead of the Aug. 2 trade deadline, and the Tigers are in a position to sell. But his value will take a hit if inquiring teams, particularly in the American League, are worried he won't be able to pitch in Toronto down the stretch and/or in the playoffs.
Asked if he would consider getting vaccinated if traded to a contender, Chafin said, "We’ll see what happens. If the situation called for it, maybe."
Either way, Chafin will have his suitors. Just like he did at last year's deadline when he was dealt from the Cubs to the A's, and at the deadline before that when he was dealt from the Diamondbacks to the Cubs. Chafin is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career, and contenders always want bullpen help. What's more, he's signed through next season.
As much as he tries to ignore the thought of being traded, Chafin laughed and said, "Obviously it crosses my mind, I'm a lefty reliever."
"We’re always up for auction, let’s be honest," he said. "But no, it's something I can’t really worry about. I’m going to prepare for it if need be or whatever, but it’d be the third year in a row, so just another year."
Just four months after signing with Detroit, Wednesday may have marked Chafin's final home outing at Comerica Park.
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