Yanks’ Judge ‘real close’ to returning
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said All-star slugger Aaron Judge could return to New York’s lineup this week during a series against Boston.
Boone said Sunday that Judge is “getting real close” to returning from a broken right wrist. Judge has been cleared to play the outfield and run the bases, and he played two innings in right Friday. He’s still working his way back at the plate.
Judge hit off a highvelocity pitching machine Sunday. He’s been taking batting practice on the field and might face rehabilitating closer
Aroldis Chapman (left knee tendinitis) in a simulated game Monday or Tuesday.
Judge said he’s experiencing no pain while swinging but still has discomfort on more standard movements. Chapman threw a bullpen session Saturday, and Boone said the left-hander came out of it feeling well.
Top pitching prospect Justus Sheffield will join the Yankees on Tuesday looking to make his major league debut. He and right-hander Domingo German will be called up from Triple-a Scranton/wilkes-barre.
Red Sox: Right fielder Mookie Betts exited Boston’s win over the New York Mets after hurting his left side making two throws to home plate. “It’ll be fine,” the three-time All-star said. “I’ll be ready to play Tuesday.”
Tigers: Right-hander Michael Fulmer will have an MRI examination on his right knee Monday. He allowed home runs to Cleveland’s Francisco Lindor and Michael Brantley in the first inning Saturday and was removed after five pitches. Fulmer tweaked the knee trying to field Lindor’s bunt attempt.
Twins: Righthander Zack Littell left Minnesota’s loss Saturday at Kansas City after developing a blood blister on a finger of his pitching hand. “It’s good,” he said Sunday. “Came in this morning and let them drain it again. Letting it dry up and then take a day or two off, then get back at it.”
Cubs: Outfielder
Jason Heyward (tight right hamstring), out since Aug. 31, was activated from the disabled list, and left fielder Kyle Schwarber (back strain) missed a sixth straight game and didn’t accompany the team to Arizona for a three-game set starting Monday.
Mets: Right-hander Jacob degrom and Boston ace Chris Sale became the first starting pitchers to face each other with sub-2.00 ERAS and at least 100 innings since the Mets’ Dwight Gooden (1.74) and St. Louis’ John Tudor (1.95) on Sept. 11, 1985.
Athletics: Righthander Trevor Cahill (upper back strain), out since
Sept. 9, is nearing a bullpen session and might rejoin Oakland’s rotation this weekend, manager Bob Melvin said. Cahill is 6-3 with a 3.77 ERA in 19 starts.
Orioles: Right-hander Luis Ortiz (left hamstring strain) will receive an
MRI examination Monday or Tuesday and might be shut down, manager Buck Showalter said. The rookie was hurt Friday in his first major league start.
Brewers: Outfielder Christian Yelich’s Nl-best streak of reaching base safely ended at 30 games Sundaywhenhewent 0-for-4 in Milwaukee’s loss to Pittsburgh.
Diamondbacks: Right-hander Shelby Miller (inflamed right elbow), out since July 11, threw a 27-pitch bullpen session Saturday and “felt good,” manager Torey Lovullo said.
Braves: Third baseman Johan Camargo (tight left groin) missed a fourth straight game but likely will return to Atlanta’s lineup Monday, manager Brian Snitker said.