Detroit Tigers: Houston places five players on IL due to COVID-19

Breaking news: Prior to the start of tonight’s Detroit Tigers vs Houston Astros game, the Astros placed five players on the COVID-19 IL.

For the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak happen last season, the Detroit Tigers are witnessing firsthand the huge impact of the virus as Houston placed the following players on the IL:

1. DH Jordan Alvarez
2. 2B Jose Altuve
3. 3B Alex Brgeman
4. IF Robel Garcia
5. C Martin Maldonado

Infielders Taylor Jones, catcher Garrett Stubbs, and infielder Abraham Toro were recalled and infielder Alex De Goti and outfielder Ronnie Dawson were placed on the roster per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. 

With the loss of Alvarez, Altuve, Alvarez, and Maldonado, the Astros lose four regular starters as they have lost two in a row to the Tigers. After their series, they have an off-day before they head to Seattle for a three-game series starting Friday then after that, an off day Monday before a two-game series in Colorado that starts on Tuesday.

Last season, the Chicago Cubs were the only team in baseball that was not affected by the COVID-19 virus but Tuesday, the Cubs placed Jason Adam, Dan Winkler, Matt Duffy, and Brandon Workman on the COVID-19 related injured list.  On the same day, the Toronto Blue Jays had outfielder Teoscar Hernandez test positive for the virus. Then today, the Twins placed shortstop Andrelaton Simmons also, on the COVID-19 related injured list.

For the Detroit Tigers, Spencer Turnbull, who was placed in COVID-19 protocol due to precaution reasons, is set to come back next week. He is scheduled to make a start in Toledo tomorrow evening against the Cinnicinni Reds alternate squad down in Toledo and as reported by Evan Woodbery, he is expected to go 4 to 5 innings.

The Tigers after Houston, are heading to Oakland for a four-game series starting tomorrow before coming up to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 20.