HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610) - The Astros placed five players on the injured list Wednesday afternoon due to health and safety protocols implemented by MLB because of the coronavirus.
“When it rains it pours. It’s a difficult situation," Astros GM James Click said at a press conference, before adding that they can't allow players going on the injured list to keep them from competing.
Second baseman Jose Altuve, third baseman Alex Bregman, infielder Robel Garcia, catcher Martin Maldonado and outfielder/DH Yordan Alvarez were all placed on the injured list, the Astros announced.
It's not currently known how many players tested positive for the virus and how many are being placed on the list due to contact tracing measures. The return timelines will be determined by forthcoming COVID tests.
In their places, the Astros have called up infielder Taylor Jones, catcher Garrett Stubbs, infielder Abraham Toro, infielder Alex De Goti and outfielder Ronnie Dawson from the alternate training site.
Normally, there is a minimum seven-day quarantine for players put on the list due to COVID-19 safety protocols, but Click said the team is working with MLB on its guidelines to see if this will be necessary.
"Obviously, things are constantly changing with what we understand about the health and safety protocols and we'll continue to work with them," Click said Wednesday. "Hopefully, it's something where subsequent testing will allow them to come back before that timeframe, but we're going to wait for that."
Click also said MLB deemed there was no health and safety reason to cancel or postpone Wednesday night's game against the Tigers.
"We certainly respect that decision and beyond that, we recalled a few guys who have some big league experience, but we're adding guys who will make their big league debut. And that's a pretty special time, a pretty special moment for those guys. So hopefully they can make it even more special by helping us get a win."