Seattle’s Marte has mono
Seattle Mariners shortstop Ketel Marte was diagnosed with mononucleosis and is expected to go on the 15-day disabled list today.
Marte complained of a sore throat following Sunday’s loss to Houston and didn’t play in the series against the White Sox that followed. Marte didn’t travel with the team for an eight-game trip that began Friday at Toronto.
Manager Scott Servais said there is no timetable for Marte’s return. The second-year player is batting .273 with one homer and 19 RBIs.
The Mariners also recalled infielder Luis Sardinas from Triple-A Tacoma. He replaces left-hander Mike Montgomery, who was traded to the Cubs on Wednesday.
Dexter Fowler was activated from the 15-day disabled list after the outfielder missed a month with a strained right hamstring. The switch-hitter was hitting .290 with seven homers, 28 RBIs and six steals in 64 games before landing on the DL on June 19. Outfielder Albert Almora Jr. and righthander Spencer Patton were optioned to Triple-A Iowa.
Infielder Austin Barnes was recalled, and pitcher Julio Urias was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Cubs: Dodgers: Blue Jays:
Catcher Russell Martin is expected to miss at least two games after he passed out and fell while taking a cold shower, injuring his left knee. Martin, who is batting .228 with seven home runs and 36 RBIs, is in the second season of a fiveyear, $82 million contract.
Right fielder J.D. Martinez took batting practice Thursday for the first time since he broke his right elbow last month. “It still bothers him a little bit to throw,” said manager Brad Ausmus, who indicated they’ve yet to determine when he’ll begin a minor league rehab stint.
Outfielder Michael Brantley has responded favorably to a medical procedure on his ailing shoulder and expects to resume baseball activities next week. Brantley, 29, was placed on the 15-day disabled list in the middle of May with right shoulder inflammation. He had played in only 11 games this season, going 9 for 39 (.231) with seven RBIs.
St. Louis recorded its first four-game series sweep at home Thursday since beating the Rockies on Sept. 30-Oct. 3, 2010.
Tigers: Indians: Cardinals: