Moved-back mound set for trial run in Atlantic League

MLB will experiment with a 12-inch greater distance between the mound and home plate during a portion of the Atlantic League season in an effort to decrease strikeouts and increase offense. The pitching rubber will be moved back to 61 feet, 6 inches starting Aug. 3 during the second half of the independent minor league’s season.

■ Astros: Third baseman Alex

Bregman, second baseman Jose Altuve, designated hitter Yordan Alvarez, catcher Martin Maldonado and infielder Robel Garcia were placed on the COVID-19 IL. General manager James Click didn’t say if any of them tested positive for COVID-19.

■ Blue Jays: Closer Julian Merryweather (left oblique strain) was placed on the 10-day IL. The 29-year-old right-hander has a 0.00 ERA and two saves over 4 1/3 innings, allowing one hit and one walk with seven strikeouts while reaching 100.4 mph with his fastball.

■ Phillies: Adam Haseley was placed on the restricted list to tend to a personal matter, and fellow outfielder Mickey Moniak — the 2016 draft’s top pick — was promoted from the team’s alternate training site.

■ Twins: Shortstop Andrelton

Simmons, who declined the coronavirus vaccine when it was provided to the team last week, tested positive for the virus and was placed on the COVID-19 IL.

■ Braves: Left-hander Max Fried (right hamstring strain) was placed on the 10day IL for an injury sustained Tuesday while running the bases.

■ Brewers: Center fielder Lorenzo Cain (left quadriceps strain) was placed on the 10-day IL.