JUNE 5, 2023•NEWSOBSERVER.COM
Albert Pujols remains as Angels special assistant despite new MLB roles, team saysAlbert Pujols retired from Major League Baseball as a player last year.
César Salazar - Optioned to Triple-ASalazar was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday.
ImpactAs expected, Salazar will head back to Triple-A on Monday, returning to Sugar Land after he went 0-for-7 with three strikeouts in the month of May as the Astros' third catcher. Grae Kessinger had his contract selected from Sugar Land and will replace Salazar on the major-league roster.
JUNE 5, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Luis Garcia - Pushed to 60-day ILThe Astros transferred Garcia (elbow) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Monday.
ImpactThe transaction is merely a procedural move to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for infielder Grae Kessinger, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Sugar Land ahead of Monday's game in Toronto. Garcia will miss the remainder of the 2023 season and likely a large portion of the 2024 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow May 19.
JUNE 5, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Grae Kessinger - Contract officially selectedKessinger had his contract selected from Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday.
ImpactKessinger is set to make his major-league debut after he produced a .284 average with six homers, 32 RBI, 37 runs and two stolen bases over 176 at-bats in 52 games with Sugar Land this season. Although he's not in the starting lineup Monday, he'll likely draw a start during the Astros' four-game series with Toronto as Jose Altuve (oblique) continues to remain out of the lineup.
JUNE 5, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Martín Maldonado - Resting MondayMaldonado is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Blue Jays.
ImpactMaldonado looks to be receiving a routine off day after he was behind the dish in each of the Astros' last three games. Yainer Diaz will pick up a start at catcher and bat eighth in place of Maldonado.
JUNE 5, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Jose Altuve - Still out of lineupAltuve (oblique) will remain out of the lineup Monday versus the Blue Jays.
ImpactAltuve will miss a third consecutive game as he continues to deal with oblique tightness. The team said his absence was precautionary Sunday, which could remain the case again one day later. The second baseman's status is worth monitoring moving forward and if he continues to be unavailable, a stint on the injured list could be an option. Mauricio Dubon will draw another start at second base and bat leadoff in the series opener with Toronto.
JUNE 5, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Chas McCormick - Sitting MondayMcCormick will sit Monday versus the Toronto.
ImpactMcCormick will get a day off after he went 5-for-11 with a homer, a double, two RBI, two runs scored over the three-game series with the Angels. Jake Meyers will draw the start in center field and bat ninth in the series opener with the Blue Jays.
JUNE 5, 2023•ROTOWIRE
