White Sox left-hander Carlos Rodon just misses perfection against Indians, still pitches no-hitter.

Carlos Rodon threw the second no-hitter of the young baseball season Wednesday night, losing his bid for a perfect game on a hit batter with one out in the ninth inning, and the Chicago White Sox cruised to an 8-0 victory over the Cleveland Indians.

The left-hander retired his first 25 batters before he plunked Roberto Perez on the back foot with an 0-2 slider. An incredulous Rodon looked on almost in bewilderment as Perez made his way to first.

Rodon regained his composure in time to strike out Yu Chang looking and retire Jordan Luplow on a sharp grounder to third, starting a joyous celebration. The crowd of 7,148 cheered as Rodon (2-0) jumped around with teammates near the mound and then started handing out hugs.

It was the first no-hitter for the White Sox since Lucas Giolito pitched one Aug. 25 last year against Pittsburgh and No. 20 in franchise history, second-most among major league teams behind the Los Angeles Dodgers (23).

Perez made two hard outs earlier in the game and said when he came up in the ninth, he was unaware Rodon had not allowed a baserunner.

On his way to first, the Indians catcher was asked by Rodon if he really got hit by the ball.

“To be honest, I didn’t really think he had a perfect game until I got hit,” Perez said. “I thought he had a nohitter going on but I really didn’t think he had a perfect game. It’s hard, man. I’m not going to stand there and get hit, especially on a night like tonight when it was cold. But that’s just part of the game.”

Earlier, the White Sox placed RHP Dylan Cease on the injured list in a precautionary move after he exhibited symptoms associated with COVID-19.

Astros have COVID issues

The Houston Astros have placed second baseman Jose Altuve, third baseman Alex Bregman, designated hitter Yordan Alvarez, catcher Martin Maldonado and infielder Robel Garcia on the injured list because of COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

General Manager James Click made the announcement on Wednesday, hours before the Astros were to wrap up a three-game series with the Detroit Tigers.

Click said he couldn’t say if a player had tested positive for COVID-19.

Notable

RHP Kyle Hendricks

was back in Chicago on Wednesday, one day after getting scratched from his scheduled start because he wasn’t feeling well. Manager David Ross said Tuesday that Hendricks tested negative for COVID-19 and none of his players has tested positive, but the Cubs are being cautious after two coaches had positive tests.

• Braves LHP Max Fried

was placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained right hamstring after injuring himself while running the bases. The Braves also placed rookie OF Cristian Pache on the IL with a strained left groin.

• Twins 3B Josh Donaldson was activated and played for the first time since straining his right hamstring in the season opener.

• Angels OF Justin Upton was scratched on Tuesday night and remained out of the lineup on Wednesday with back stiffness.

• Brewers OF Lorenzo Cain went on the 10-day injured list with a strained left quadriceps, and OF Christian Yelich missed a third straight game with a sore back.

• Twins SS Andrelton Simmons tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed on the COVID-19 injured list.