Astros to offer housing to minor leaguers in ’22

The Houston Astros are providing furnished apartments to minor league players at all levels for the 2022 season, believed to be the first big league club to do so.

Minor league players were offered housing ahead of last week’s opening day, the Astros said Wednesday. Housing has been among the greatest difficulties facing minor league players, many of whom will make as little as $10,000 this season despite pay raises introduced for 2021.

Players are unable to use host families this season due to COVID-19 restrictions, and even in past years, they have routinely lived in overcrowded apartments or slept on air mattresses. PADRES HIT BY CORONAVIRUS>> The virus-depleted San Diego Padres made a series of moves to bolster a lineup that is missing outfielder Wil Myers and shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. after they tested positive for the coronavirus. Myers was added to the injured list before a doubleheader against Colorado at Coors Field. Joining him was first baseman Eric Hosmer, out due to contact protocols. The Padres have now had five players go on the injured list over the last two days due to virus concerns. San Diego recalled utilityman Brian O’Grady from and selected the contract of outfielder Patrick Kivlehan.

Later, Victor Caratini hit a twoout grand slam in the sixth, powering the Padres to a 5-3 win over the Rockies in a doubleheader opener in Colorado. Second baseman Austin Nola — a catcher pressed into infield duty — made a game-saving, over-the-shoulder catch in shallow right to close out the game with the bases loaded. BRAVES’ SOROKA HAS SETBACK>> Atlanta pitcher Mike Soroka experienced a setback in his recovery from surgery to repair his torn right Achilles tendon and will have a follow-up procedure next week. Soroka suffered the season-ending injury on Aug. 3. Soroka was expected to return this season. Now those plans are in doubt.