World Series: Astros catcher Jason Castro missed Game 4 due to COVID-19 protocols

Jason Castro missed Game 4 of the World Series after landing in Major League Baseball’s COVID-19 protocols.

The league announced on Saturday night just hours before the first pitch at Truist Park was scheduled that Castro was placed on the Houston Astros’ COVID-19 Related Injured List.

It’s unclear whether Castro actually tested positive for the coronavirus or if he was just exposed, as the designation is used for both cases. If Castro did test positive, he will have to quarantine for a minimum of five days — which means his season is over, as Game 7 of the World Series is scheduled for Nov. 3 if necessary, only four days away.

Castro was replaced on the Astros’ active roster by Garrett Stubbs.

Castro has had five at-bats so far this postseason, three of which came in the World Series. He hit .235/.356/.443 and had eight home runs on 35 hits in 66 games this season, his first with back with the Astros after bouncing between the Los Angeles Angels and San Diego Padres last year. The 34-year-old is wrapping up the first year of a two-year, $7 million deal with Houston.

The Atlanta Braves beat the Astros 3-2 in Game 4 on Saturday night. They now lead the series 3-1 headed into Game 5 on Sunday night, and are one win away from their first World Series title since 1995.