Astros players missing camp due to intake testing

On Tuesday, Chandler Rome reported that prospect Forrest Whitley was in COVID-19 protocol along with Blair Henley, Korey Lee, Colton Shaver and Peter Solomon. Among these Houston Astros, Whitley and Solomon stand as the only two 40-man roster spot holders and will be looking to make their Major League debuts this season. This does not mean these players have contracted the virus, but they were in contact with someone who has.

Among these names, Michael Schwab reported that star prospect Pedro Leon was still in the process of obtaining his visa to come to the Astros’ facility and is expected to travel to Florida this Thursday. It is only Feb. 23, but these players’ arrivals are highly anticipated.

What does this mean for the Astros moving forward including Whitley?

Although not a true answer or arrival date has been given, the chance of seeing Whitley return to the field is high. This anticipated bounce back is what many fans, staff and Whitely, himself, are planning for, but his progression to the Major Leagues is something that has been stunted by injury and a lousy suspension.

Looking at the other prospects missing camp, these players will be the needed depth with Lee being the catcher of the future. Leon has also been a buzzing name since the Astros signed him earlier this year during the International Signing period. This delay might look big now, but it’s early in workouts while the first game is this Sunday against the Miami Marlins.

Among these prospect names, it has been reported that Zack Greinke will be arriving to camp later this week, which is a good sign for the anticipated Astros’ Opening Day starting pitcher. We have seen this in years past, but you never know what to expect from the right-hander.