Less than three hours before the Detroit Tigers game against the Houston Astros on Wednesday, the Astros put five players on the injured list: designated hitter Yordan Alvarez, third baseman Alex Bregman, second baseman Jose Altuve, catcher Martin Maldonado and infielder Robel Garcia.
They were removed from the team for the time being because of health and safety protocols, Astros general manager James Click said. All five players, manager Dusty Baker said, received at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot.
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Per COVID-19 protocols, the five players do not require a minimum stay on the injured list and can return once cleared.
Altuve was removed in the ninth inning Tuesday for a pinch-hitter — Maldonado took his place in the lineup — because the team discovered there was an issue with health and safety protocols. Then, another concern regarding health and safety protocols came up after the game.
Infielders Abraham Toro, Alex De Goti and Taylor Jones, catcher Garrett Stubbs and outfielder Ronnie Dawson were called up for Wednesday’s contest.
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“There’s been no talk of postponing the game,” Tigers manager AJ Hinch said, a few minutes before Houston’s roster moves were announced. “The Astros have communicated to us the situation that they’re in, some of the decisions that they’re making. But that’s their news to report. We’re ready to play.”
Hinch said there aren’t any COVID-related issues within the Tigers’ clubhouse.
USA TODAY contributed to this report.
Evan Petzold is a sports reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @EvanPetzold.
