2020 MLB Season: Three more Cubans placed on IL

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 25: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros in action against the Miami Marlins during a Grapefruit League spring training game at FITTEAM Ballpark of The Palm Beaches on February 25, 2020 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 25: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros in action against the Miami Marlins during a Grapefruit League spring training game at FITTEAM Ballpark of The Palm Beaches on February 25, 2020 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

With the MLB season about a week and a half away, three more Cuban players have been placed on the IL.

With the MLB season about to commence in a week and a half three more Cuban players have been added to the IL, they are left-handed pitchers Cionel Pérez, Roenis Elias, and designated hitter Yordan Álvarez.

With the season commencing July 23 do not expect any of the three players to be with their clubs to start the season.

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In the case of  Washington’s Roenis Elías, he has tested negative for the coronavirus but came in contact with a person who contracted COVID-19. Due to that fact, the southpaw was placed in a 14-day quarantine.

Elías said this to Pelota Cubana’s own Javier González about his status, “I came in contact with someone who has the virus, but I’m the picture of health and all my tests have come back negative. But do to the fact I was in close proximity of a person with the coronavirus I’ve been placed in quarantine for two weeks.”

This puts a small damper in Elías’s season because he was supposed to either be the closer or have a major role in the defending world champs bullpen.

When it comes to Yordan Álvarez all that was said to the Houston Chronicle‘s Chandler Rome by the Dusty Baker was that he has a “condition that impedes him from playing baseball.”

This could mean an array of things because it is common knowledge that Álvarez has been battling knee problems since last season. No timetable has been set for the reigning Rookie of the Year’s return.

Now, Cionel Pérez had a test come back inconclusive according to a source of mine near the player, so he was placed on the injury list for precautionary reasons. This is damaging to the young flamethrower because he was expected to take the next step and have a major role with the Astros this season.

In an MLB season that things are never what they seem three more Cubans have had their seasons interrupted by injuries.