John Smoltz and Al Leiter fail to perform in the studio for MLB Network after refusing to receive the coronavirus vaccine, according to multiple reports.
The MLB network’s policy requiring all employees to be vaccinated went into effect on Wednesday. Smoltz and Leiter will continue to conduct analysis for studio shows, but it won’t be away from the network’s studio in Secaucus, New Jersey.
The New York Post was the first to cover the story. MLB Network declined to comment in an email to the AP.
Smoltz, 54, is also the lead analyst for Fox’s coverage of the MLB, making the calls about the biggest games, including the World Series.
Leiter, 55, is also a Mets advisor.
Leiter has been part of the MLB Network since it went on air in 2009. Smoltz joined MLB Network the following year and has been part of Fox’s top MLB team since 2016.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
