Bryant says back feels better
Former Cubs-turned-Rockies star Kris Bryant took swings in the cage Friday for the first time since he was sidelined with a sore back nearly three weeks ago and is eyeing a minor-league rehab assignment as soon as next week.
Bryant, who last played April 25 against the Phillies, said he had a cortisone injection Monday that has speeded his recovery from pain in his lower back. Before the injury, he was hitting .281 with no home runs and four RBI after signing a sevenyear, $172 million contract in March.
◆ Jose Altuve homered on the first pitch, and the visiting Astros won their 11th consecutive game by defeating the Nationals 6-1. Astros pitchers have allowed 12 runs during the streak for an ERA of 0.91.
◆ The Guardians added slugger Josh Naylor to their COVID-19 list, making him the first player to be sidelined in the team’s recent outbreak.
◆ The Dodgers put three-time National League Cy Young Award-winning left-hander Clayton Kershaw on the 10-day injured list with inflammation in a pelvic joint.
◆ The Mets said former White Sox catcher James McCann needs surgery to repair a broken hamate bone in his left wrist and will be out about six weeks.
◆ Royals outfielder Andrew Benintendi ($8.5 million) and Mariners second baseman Adam Frazier ($8 million) won their arbitration cases against their teams.
◆ The Padres said no cancer was found during manager Bob Melvin’s prostate surgery Wednesday.
HOCKEY PANTHERS WIN IN OT TO OUST CAPITALS
Carter Verhaege scored 2:46 into overtime, and the Panthers recovered after blowing a lead late in regulation to slip past the host Capitals 4-3 and wrap up their first-round playoff series in six games.
◆ Chris Kreider scored the tiebreaking goal on a shot that bounced into the net with 1:28 left, and the visiting Rangers forced a Game 7 in their first-round playoff series by defeating the Penguins 5-3.
◆ The Canucks said Bruce Boudreau will return as their coach next season after guiding them to a 32-15-10 record as a midseason replacement for fired Travis Green.
NFL LANDRY SAYS HE’S SIGNING WITH SAINTS
Receiver Jarvis Landry, who grew up in Louisiana and played college football at LSU, posted on social media that he is set to sign with the Saints. The Browns released him March 14.
†The girlfriend of Broncos receiver Jerry Jeudy asked a judge to dismiss a misdemeanor case against him stemming from a dispute Thursday in suburban Denver.
GOLF THREE-WAY TIE FOR LEAD AT PGA STOP
Ryan Palmer shot a 10-under-par 62, David Skinns a 9-under 63 and Sebastian Munoz a 3-under 69 to share the lead at 15-under 129 after the second round of the Byron Nelson in suburban Dallas. ✶