NEW YORK — The Yankees' post-All-Star break opener against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday night was postponed because of positive COVID-19 tests within New York's organization.

Major League Baseball said the postponement was to allow for more testing and contact tracing.

Pitchers Jonathan Loaisiga, Nestor Cortes and Wandy Peralta tested positive for coronavirus despite being vaccinated, according to the Yankees general manager. All are doing well.

The Yankees said three additional players are in quarantine awaiting further test results. ESPN is reporting one of the quarantined players is all-star outfielder Aaron Judge.

New York was among the first major league teams to reach the 85% vaccination threshold to lessen coronavirus protocols such as dropping mask use in dugouts and bullpens.

New York players were on the field taking early batting practice about 3 1/2 hours before the scheduled start when the Yankees asked media to leave the field while the team conducted COVID testing.

Boston came onto the field as the postponement was announced to take batting practice.