Another knee surgery for Hamilton
Former slugger Josh Hamilton’s bid to make the Texas Rangers’ Opening Day roster has ended after another surgery on his balky left knee.
Hamilton, who is in training camp on a minor- league contract, had an arthroscopic procedure Monday to repair some damaged cartilage in his left knee after feeling pain while running last week. Therewere no issues with the surgically repaired anterior cruciate ligament in the knee, which has been operated on three times in the last year.
The 35- year- old Hamilton, the American League’s most valuable player in 2010, hasn’t played in the majors since 2015. He faces six weeks of rehabilitation before he will be able to start running again, then would need several weeks or more of baseball activity to be ready to play in games.
Cardinals’ Lynn returns
St. Louis Cardinals righthander Lance Lynn, who didn’t pitch in the majors last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow, worked two innings in a Grapefruit League game against the Washington Nationals.
Lynn, who allowed a run and four hits and didn’t figure in the decision as a Cardinals split squad earned a 5- 4 victory, said he was able to throw all his pitches, mixing sliders and changeups in with fastballs.
‘‘ I threw the ball really well for it being February,’’ said Lynn, who was limited to three minor- league starts in 2016 after returning from surgery.
Reds’ DeSclafani scratched
Cincinnati Reds righthander Anthony DeSclafani was scratched from his first scheduled start of spring training Tuesday because of a tender pitching elbow.
DeSclafani felt some tenderness in the elbow after throwing batting practice last week, and manager Bryan Price said skipping the start was a precaution. He was 9- 5 with a 3.28 ERA last season.
‘‘ There’s no red alert at this time,’’ Price said. ‘‘ We don’t have grave concerns that he won’t be ready for the Opening Day roster.’’
Machado shifts to short
Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado started at shortstop in place of injured J. J. Hardy in a Grapefruit League game against the New York Yankees. The Orioles said Hardy is expected to be out at least until the middle of March because of back trouble.