CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians are trending toward the required 85% vaccination rate for the coronavirus which would allow them to loosen some virus-related protocols this season.

Many Indians players and staff members are scheduled for their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine in late April. Its believed if all the players and staff member who received the first dose, return for the second dose, they should pass the 85% threshold. Many Indians players and staff members received their first dose on April 6 and April 8, scheduled off days in the first week of the season, after the team returned from spring training in Arizona.

Minnesota, one of the Indians rivals in the AL Central, has encountered COVID-related problems on its current West Coast trip. The Twins had games against the Angels on Saturday and Sunday postponed as was Mondays game against Oakland. They are expected to resume play Tuesday against the As.

Four members of the Twins, three players and one staff member, tested positive. Shortstop Andrelton Simmons did not make the trip because hes suffering from COVID issues.

MLB has had six games postponed this season because of positive tests. That includes the season opening three-game series between the Nationals and Mets. Last year, during the 60-game sprint, 45 games were postponed. Only two of those games werent played.

In a recent memo sent to teams, MLB and MLBPA agreed to relax COVID protocols on teams where 85% of the Tier I players and coaches were fully vaccinated. Players and staff members are not being forced to be vaccinated, but are strongly encouraged to do so, according to media outlets that have seen the memo.

If a club reaches 85% vaccination, players and coaches in dugouts and bullpens will no longer have to wear masks or contract tracing devices in team facilities. They can also eat at indoor and outdoor restaurants, eat and drink on team flights and busses and gather in hotels.

A variety of Cleveland Indians face masks available online today. (Fanatics.com)

New Indians face masks for sale: Heres where you can buy Cleveland Indians-themed face coverings for coronavirus protection, including a single mask ($14.99) and a 3-pack ($24.99). All MLB proceeds donated to charity.

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