The Houston Astros put second baseman Jose Altuve, third baseman Alex Bregman, designated hitter Yordan Alvarez, catcher Martin Maldonado and reserve striker Robel Garcia on the injured list “due to health and safety protocols,” James said. Click, general manager, said Wednesday.
Click said he could not say whether a player tested positive for COVID-19 or was exposed to anyone who did. He said the length of the absence of each player will be determined by contact tests performed.
He also said the moves are not a function of the players breaking COVID-19 protocols.
“Absolutely not. The guys were extremely vigilant to make sure they were following the rules at the ballpark, away from the ballpark,” Click told reporters. “I think it’s just another reflection of the situation we are in, not only in baseball, but in the country as well.”
The Astros, who do not have the 85% vaccination threshold to weaken team protocols, said they only knew of the steps to do so after Tuesday’s game. All the other players in the team will undergo more tests and all coaches and staff have been approved to continue working.
In similar moves, the Astros called up attacking Taylor Jones, catcher Garrett Stubbs, attacking Abraham Toro, attacking Alex De Goti and outfielder Ronnie Dawson from the team’s alternate training ground.
All five players are expected to arrive on time for Wednesday night’s game against the Detroit Tigers at Minute Maid Park.
Click said MLB did not believe there was a health reason not to play Wednesday’s game, “so now we’re playing the game.”
The Astros lost four in a row after a 6-1 start and now have to play without four members of their starting lineup.
“When it rains, it showers,” Click said. “It’s a difficult situation, but we can not allow it to take our focus away from winning this match.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.