MLB Player News

Astros manager Dusty Baker said Sunday that Maldonado (COVID-19 injured list) has been cleared to resume individual workouts, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Maldonado and the other four Astros placed on the COVID-19 IL on Wednesday all appear to have finished their respective quarantine periods, but Baker didn't specify when any of the players might be ready to rejoin the team. Since Baker previously mentioned that the five players in question are unlikely to be available for the team's ongoing road trip, Maldonado's earliest possible return date would most likely be Thursday, when the Astros host the Angels.

Jansen is out of the lineup for Sunday's game at Kansas City.

The 26-year-old continues to split time with Alejandro Kirk to open the season, and Kirk will receive the starting nod Sunday. Jansen is 2-for-28 with nine strikeouts through 11 games.

Vazquez is out of the lineup for Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader against the White Sox, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

The 30-year-old finds himself on the bench for the second straight game as he is 0-for-10 in his past three appearances, leaving Kevin Plawecki to receive another start. Vazquez should return to the lineup for Game 2 later Sunday.

Collins went 0-for-4 in Saturday's 7-4 loss to the Red Sox.

Collins showed some promise early in the season, but he's mired in an 0-for-13 hitless streak that has dropped his batting average to .143. The White Sox are pleased with the developments he's made defensively behind the plate, but that could come at the expense of his offense.

Mejia went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a double and an additional RBI during Saturday's 6-3 win over the Yankees.

The 25-year-old struggled to find his footing in the majors since making his debut with Cleveland in 2017, but he's off to a strong start in 2021. Mejia has a .333/.370/.542 slash line with one home run, two doubles and five RBI through eight games this season.

Perez went 2-for-4 with a walkoff solo home run in a 3-2 win over the Blue Jays during the second game of Saturday's doubleheader.

After starting at catcher and going 0-for-3 in the opener, Perez slotted in at DH in the nightcap and played hero by launching his fourth homer of the year in the seventh inning off Joel Payamps. Perez is off to a strong start, slashing .300/.352/.600 through 13 games with nine RBI.

Jansen isn't starting the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Royals.

Jansen started behind the plate in the first game of the twin bill and went hitless in three at-bats. Alejandro Kirk will take over as the starting catcher for Saturday's nightcap, batting seventh.

Sanchez (finger) won't start Sunday but could return for Tuesday's game against Atlanta, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Sanchez suffered a contusion to his right index and middle fingers after he was hit by a foul tip in the fourth inning of Saturday's loss to the Rays, and he was unable to finish the game. Although the X-rays on Sanchez's hand came back negative, Kyle Higashioka will serve as the starting catcher for Sunday's series finale against Tampa Bay. However, manager Aaron Boone was optimistic that Sanchez could return for Tuesday's series opener against Atlanta since he'll have two days to rest prior to the matchup.

Sanchez has been diagnosed with a contusion to his right index and middle fingers after the X-rays on his right hand were negative.

Sanchez was removed from Saturday's game in the fifth inning after he was hit on the right hand by a foul tip in the fourth frame. He's considered day-to-day following his examination, and Kyle Higashioka could fill in at catcher if Sanchez is forced to miss additional time.

Trevino isn't starting Saturday's game against Baltimore.

Trevino went 2-for-9 with a run and two strikeouts while starting the last two contests. Jonah Heim will take over behind the plate Saturday, batting ninth.