REUTERS / Shaun Best
(Chicago, IL) – In some ways, COVID feels like ancient history. Other times it feels more recent, with lingering scars. Much like the how the 2020 election is once again being investigated in Georgia, questions remain regarding the pandemic. And many are still angry over how the government reacted — including vaccine mandates and requirements. Now, a professional baseball pitcher alleges his career was cut short by the COVID shot — and he’s suing for damages.
California native Isaiah Carranza, now 29 years old, says his career was ruined by a rule that mandated minor league players receive the COVID-19 shot. He’s sued the Chicago White Sox and Major League Baseball in federal court. The lawsuit filed in the Northern District of Illinois seeks $19 million in damages. Drafted in the 12th round by the White Sox in the 2018 MLB Draft, Carranza says injuries he suffered from the vaccine ended his career.
The lawsuit claims the White Sox and MLB ordered minor league ballplayers to get the shot in 2021, “under threat of career-ending consequences.” Carranza claims that after following that policy and receiving the shot, he started experiencing problems. These allegedly included severe pain and dysfunction in his pitching arm, eliminating his ability to pitch at the professional level.
Carranza accuses Major League Baseball and the White Sox of failing to provide support following his vaccine-related injury. He further alleges there was a denial of any link between his injury and the shot, and that the White Sox retaliated against him for making such claims. “Ultimately, Plaintiff’s reaction to the vaccine ended his professional baseball career,” the lawsuit says.
As to the potential coercion behind Carranza’s decision to get the vaccine, the pitcher says he objected to the vaccination and requested accommodations — but felt he had no option if he wanted to continue his professional career. The lawsuit accuses the defendants of negligence and failure to warn of risks. It also argues the White Sox prioritized league-wide policy compliance rather than individual medical concerns and player safety. Carranza claims his rights were violated, because his employment and potential career advancement hinged on getting the vaccine.
Unlike what happened for major league players, minor leaguers did not have union negotiators on their side when vaccine mandates popped up. The mandates were couched in public health concerns. But they varied over time.
The case is part of a small but growing number of nationwide legal challenges alleging injuries from workplace COVID-19 vaccination requirements. The federal court in Illinois will decide if it proceeds to trial. A settlement or resolution of some kind is also possible while pre-trial motions proceed.
