Seattle Mariners fear spread after positive COVID-19 test in traveling party, sources say

A member of the Seattle Mariners' traveling party tested positive for COVID-19, causing concern within the organization about potential spread due to a significant portion of players being unvaccinated, sources familiar with the situation told ESPN on Friday.

As more than half the teams in baseball exceed the 85% vaccination threshold for reduced health and safety restrictions, the Mariners find themselves well short of that number, sources told ESPN. The person who tested positive will isolate for at least 10 days, and any close contacts will be required to miss at least seven days if unvaccinated, according to the league's protocol.

Vaccinated players who are asymptomatic are allowed to play immediately -- a policy intended to incentivize vaccination.