Albert Pujols released by LA Angels, becomes free agent
Albert Pujols was released by the Los Angeles Angels after clearing waivers, one week after the 41-year-old star slugger was designated for assignmentMAY 14, 2021•ASSOCIATED PRESS
Notes: Yuli held out with illnessHOUSTON -- Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel was held out of the starting lineup for Thursday’s series opener against the Rangers after beco...
MAY 13, 2021•MLB.COM
Framber Valdez - Rehab assignment coming next weekValdez (finger) will throw a bullpen session Friday and head out on a minor-league rehab assignment thereafter, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
ImpactValdez is making rapid progress in his recovery from a fractured left ring finger, an injury the Astros initially feared would sideline him for the majority of the season. He's now nearing the final phase of his rehab program, but Valdez will presumably need at least two or three rehab starts to build up to a starter's workload, so his return to the Astros could still be close to a month away. Whenever he makes his return, Valdez will give a significant lift to the Houston rotation, coming off a season in which he compiled a 3.57 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 76:16 K:BB in 70.2 innings.
MAY 13, 2021•ROTOWIRE
José Urquidy - Sent in for MRIAstros manager Dusty Baker said Urquidy (shoulder) will undergo an MRI on Thursday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ImpactBeyond noting that Urquidy's right shoulder was still sore a day after he was removed from his start against the Astros, Baker had no update on the 26-year-old. The MRI should provide more information about the extent of Urquidy's shoulder issue, which could necessitate a trip to the 10-day injured list.
MAY 13, 2021•ROTOWIRE
Martín Maldonado - Heads to benchMaldonado is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Rangers, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
ImpactMaldonado had started six of the Astros' last seven games, so manager Dusty Baker may just have wanted to give the veteran backstop some extra maintenance. Jason Castro will catch Cristian Javier in the series opener.
MAY 13, 2021•ROTOWIRE
Yuli Gurriel - Sitting with illnessGurriel (illness) is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Rangers, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
ImpactGurriel will get a full day to rest up and recover after he was removed from Wednesday's 9-1 win over the Angels when he fell victim to an illness. Aledmys Diaz will fill in at first base for Gurriel, who will hope to return to the lineup Friday.
MAY 13, 2021•ROTOWIRE
Houston Astros revenge tour has been relatively painlessThe 2021 season was expected to be Part Two of the Houston Astros revenge tour. This was to be the year that all those teams that were unabl...
MAY 13, 2021•CALLTOTHEPEN.COM
