Two Astros pitchers who threw in Thursday's spring game against the St. Louis Cardinals are now absent from camp due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
Francis Martes and Enoli Paredes, both of whom pitched in relief Thursday, are among those added to the list of pitchers no longer participating in camp.
The total number of pitchers ruled out is up to eight: Martes, Paredes, Luis Garcia, Ronel Blanco, Bryan Abreu, Cristian Javier, Pedro Baez and Hector Velazquez.
Astros general manager told reporters Friday the team followed safety protocols "to the letter."
“Our trainers and our doctors are intimately familiar with them and we have taken the necessary steps that we need to to keep our players safe," Click said. "As additional information comes in, we may have to adjust our plan, but based on what we know right now, we are following the protocols and the protocols are designed to keep everyone safe.”
This is yet another blow to the pitching staff, which lost left-hander Framber Valdez to a fractured left ring finger earlier this week.
It's still unclear how long the injury will sideline Valdez, but there was a report Thursday indicating he could undergo season-ending surgery.
Meanwhile, Lance McCullers Jr. pitched well in his first spring outing, striking out one batter in a perfect inning and tossing just 12 pitches.