Altuve, Bregman, Alvarez placed on IL due to COVID-19 protocols

The Houston Astros placed Yordan Alvarez, Jose Altuve, and Alex Bregman on the injured list, the team announced Wednesday, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.

Houston also placed Robel Garcia and Martin Maldonado on the IL.

The Astros didn't specify the nature of the players' injuries. However, general manager James Click said they're sidelined "as a result of health and safety protocols," per Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle.

Manager Dusty Baker added that "all the guys involved had at least their first (COVID-19 vaccine) shots."

Houston's game against the Detroit Tigers is still scheduled to be played Wednesday evening.

The Astros recalled infielders Taylor Jones and Abraham Toro, as well as catcher Garrett Stubbs, per McTaggart. Houston also selected infielder Alex De Goti and outfielder Ronnie Dawson to the active major-league roster.