LEADING OFF: MLB News

A look at what's happening around the majors on Thursday:

MISSING IN MILWAUKEE

The NL Central-leading Brewers are again shuffling their pitching staff with reliever John Axford now out for the season because of elbow trouble and starter Eric Lauer joining the team's growing COVID-19 injured list.

The 38-year-old Axford, who began this season on the Toronto Blue Jays' broadcast crew, pitched in the majors Monday for the first time since 2018. But he sustained significant damage to his right elbow and is done for the year.

Lauer started Monday against Pittsburgh and threw five shutout innings. He'll have to sit out at least 10 days due to his positive virus test.

Lauer joins All-Star closer Josh Hader, relievers Jake Cousins, Jandel Gustave and Hunter Strickland, outfielder Christian Yelich and first baseman Keston Hiura on the Brewers' COVID-19 injured list.

REN-DONE

Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon will have season-ending surgery on his right hip, ending an injury-plagued year.

Rendon was limited to 58 games and had been out since July 6 with a strained left hamstring. The 31-year-old also missed time this year with knee and groin injuries.

The team hopes Rendon will be ready for spring training next year.

Rendon signed a $245 million, seven-year contract after helping Washington win the 2019 World Series. He hit a career-low .240 this year with six homers and 34 RBIs.

Rendon joins three-time AL MVP Mike Trout on the 60-day injured list. Trout went on the injured list May 18 with a right calf strain. He has been out longer than expected, but the Angels say the plan remains for the nine-time All-Star to play this season.