MLB Network has mandated their employees receive the Covid-19 vaccine. The deadline to get the shot was today.
Two of the network’s high-profile analysts refused. Rather than turning in their resignation letters or the network firing them, an agreement has been reached. Both John Smoltz and Al Leiter will continue breaking down baseball for MLB Network, but they will not be allowed inside the studio. Andrew Marchand of The New York Post reports that the two former pitchers will each be appearing remotely.
Smoltz, who has always been an outspoken conservative, is still set to call games on-site. That includes a playoff game for MLB Network in October and all of FOX’s postseason slate, including the World Series.
Marchand asked for comment from the network, Leiter and Smoltz. MLB Network declined. Leiter and Smoltz did not return the reporter’s phone call.