Indians yelled at Plesac, Clevinger
ESPN reported Indians players scolded righthanders Zach Plesac and Mike Clevinger during a team meeting Friday in Detroit for breaking COVID-19 protocols, with veteran left-hander Oliver Perez even saying he would opt out of the rest of the season if both remained on the roster.
The meeting came in the wake of Plesac breaking the Indians’ health-and-safety guidelines by leaving the team hotel after a game Aug. 7 in Chicago and going out to see some friends. Clevinger reportedly joined Plesac later.
After the meeting, the Indians decided to option both pitchers to their alternate training site in Eastlake, Ohio. ESPN reported some players accepted their apologies and preferred they remain with the team, but the anger over the violations was palpable enough to lead to their demotions.
Plesac is 1-1 with a 1.29 ERA in three starts this season; Clevinger is 1-1 with a 3.24 ERA in three starts.
Nationals’ Garcia makes bit of history
Nationals second baseman Luis Garcia became the first player born in the 2000s to hit a home run in the major leagues.
Garcia, who was born May 16, 2000, and is the youngest player in the majors, made history with a two-run shot against Braves right-hander Touki Toussaint in the second inning in Atlanta.
The Braves, however, rallied for four runs in the ninth on two-run homers by Adam Duvall and Dansby Swanson against Nationals closer Daniel Hudson to earn a 7-6 victory.
Yankees closer Chapman back from COVID
The Yankees activated closer Aroldis Chapman from the injured list after he recovered from COVID-19. Chapman tested positive during preseason camp July 11 and had been away from the team since. He wasted no time getting into a game, allowing a run and two hits in the ninth inning of the host Yankees’ 6-3 victory against the Red Sox.
Mariners RHP Graveman has tumor in spine
Mariners right-hander Kendall Graveman said he has a benign bone tumor in his cervical spine but intends to continue pitching. Graveman, who said the location of the tumor makes it difficult to do surgery, started the season in the Mariners’ rotation before going on the injured list with neck spasms.
Cards demote pitcher pounded by Sox
The Cardinals optioned right-hander Roel Ramirez to their training site in Springfield, Missouri, a day after he yielded consecutive homers to Yoan Moncada, Yasmani Grandal, Jose Abreu and Eloy Jimenez in his major-league debut against the White Sox.