Gregorius (wrist) aims to return by postseason’s start
New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius said he hopes to return from a wrist injury this week and start in the American League wildcard game on Oct. 3.
Gregorius hurt his right wrist Saturday when he slid headfirst on Aaron Hicks’ 11th-inning double to score the run that clinched a postseason berth. An
MRI examination Sunday revealed a small tear.
“It feels way better,” Gregorius said Monday. “Feeling stronger. More movement. It’s a big step to go forward.”
The 28-year-old is hitting .268 with 27 homers and 86 RBIS this season. He had a cortisone shot and will be examined by team doctors Wednesday.
Slick-fielding but weakhitting Adeiny Hechavarria started at shortstop Monday. Rookie Gleyber Torres also could slide over from second.
Also, manager Aaron Boone said he is not close to deciding on his starter for the wild-card game from among J.A Happ, Masahiro Tanaka and Luis Severino.
Rockies: All-star shortstop Trevor Story returned to Colorado’s starting lineup after missing a week with inflammation in his right elbow. Story said the elbow doesn’t bother him when he swings but that he will alter his throwing motion to relieve some of the pressure.
In other Rockies news, left-hander Tyler Anderson (sore left shoulder) was scratched from his scheduled start Monday, but general manager Jeff Bridich said the injury “doesn’t seem too serious” and is hopeful the Spring Valley product can start later in the week.
Astros: Right-hander Lance Mccullers Jr. (right forearm strain), out since Aug. 4, was activated from the disabled list and is expected to work in a multiple-inning relief role. Also, shortstop Carlos Correa (sore back) was held out of Houston’s lineup for a fifth straight game but might return by Wednesday, manager A.J. Hinch said. Also, left-handed reliever Reymin Guduan was recalled from Triple-a Fresno, where he had a 3.74 ERA and 83 strikeouts over 55 1/3 innings.
Blue Jays: Righthander Aaron Sanchez won’t pitch again this season and could have offseason surgery to repair a lingering problem in his right index finger, which cropped up in June when the finger got caught while he was moving a suitcase, causing a deep bruise and swelling. He has visited two hand specialists and will be examined by a third.
Orioles: Left-hander John Means’ contract was purchased from Double-a Bowie after the 25-year-old had a
3.72 ERA over 157 1/3 innings at the Double- and Triple-a levels this season. Also, right-hander Yefry Ramirez is not expected to make his scheduled start Wednesday because of a cut on his right thumb.
Cubs: Closer Pedro Strop (left hamstring strain), out since Sept. 13, played catch and went through agility drills Monday, and manager Joe Maddon said he is hopeful the right-hander can pitch this week.
Dodgers: Right-handed reliever J.T. Chargois (neck nerve irritation), out since Aug. 20, was activated from the disabled list, giving Los Angeles its full capacity of 40 players.