Astros roster: Bregman and Maldonado back in lineup

The Houston Astros are currently working to the 85% team threshold of vaccinated players and staff, and while five Astros hit the injured list due to a positive case, four of them are now back on the 26-man roster. As Alex Bregman and Martin Maldonado are back in the lineup for Tuesday’s game, Yordan Alvarez (pitcher hits) and Robel Garcia will be among the players on the bench.

These moves required corresponding options of players that were on the roster. As Ronnie Dawson, Alex De Goti (both sent to alternate training site) and Garrett Stubbs (placed on taxi squad) were demoted, Taylor Jones hit the injured list for an undisclosed reason. Players that replace those on the COVID-19 IL do not have to worry about being snatched off waivers when DFA’d or optioned off the 40-man roster. These moves to the minor leagues comes at a coincidental time, as the Astros have officially acquired the Sugar Land Skeeters.

While four players make their way back, where is Jose Altuve?

As Lance McCullers Jr. was scratched as a possibility for Tuesday and Wednesday, the right-hander is progressing well, after having side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine. While the team looks to get back to full strength, there are pitchers still battling their respected injuries.

From one to nine, the lineup has varied by availability and injury, but as of Tuesday, Jose Altuve is not fully back. Manager Dusty Baker said, he “hasn’t really passed the protocols yet.” As the All-Star second baseman was out, Bregman showed his frustration with how MLB has handled the health and safety protocol as well. As the team is nearing normalcy, this will be Tuesday’s lineup: