Seeking ‘sense of relief ’ in race against virus

The Giants players and staff are continuing the process of getting coronavirus vaccinations, which began when the team was in Arizona and had access to an expanded eligibility.

“My personal take on it is just the light at the end of a tunnel,” said catcher Buster Posey, who had his first vaccine shot. “I’m hopeful that once I am fully vaccinated, there will be a sense of relief.”

More than a week ago, Arizona made vaccines available for those 16 and older, and manager Gabe Kapler said several members of the team had vaccines. He had his first.

Beginning April 15, Californians 16 and older will become eligible.

On Monday, the Giants and other teams were informed in a memo that MLB and the players’ union would relax some health and safety protocols for teams once 85% of their Tier 1 personnel — players, coaches, trainers, some frontoffice officials — are fully vaccinated.

Players and staff have been encouraged to get vaccines.

“We’re all hopeful for the entire country that we can get back to life as we know it,” Posey said, “and maybe baseball in a way can be an example of what that looks like once we do get to the point of that 85% threshold. Hopefully, we do.”

Giants and the DH: Unlike last year, there’s no designated hitter rule in the National League, but the Giants can use a DH in Thursday night’s opener because the game will be played in an American League city, Seattle.

That was Evan Longoria’s primary spot during spring training as he dealt with plantar fasciitis, but Kapler said the third baseman is fit to play defense.

“Everybody on our roster is ready to play, ready to play deep into games. No concerns on that front,” Kapler said.

Briefly: Kapler said Mike Yastrzemski (hand) and Tommy La Stella (knee) are fine after getting pelted by pitches in the final couple of exhibitions . ... Brandon Belt has been cleared to play after dealing with a series of health issues in training camp — he was recovering from heel surgery and also coming off bouts with the coronavirus and mono . ... Nick Tropeano, one of four pitchers reassigned Tuesday, is among players who’ll be on the taxi squad when the season opens . ... The Mariners were permitted to sell 9,000 tickets to each of the three games.