NEWS YOU CAN USE

Verlander out 2 weeks

Reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander has a strained right forearm and will be shut down for at least two weeks. Astros manager Dusty Baker announced the injury after Houston’s 7-6 loss to the Mariners on Sunday, saying Verlander would be evaluated after two weeks.

In a tweet Verlander denied a report that the injury would end his season.

Rays’ Meadows on mend

Rays OF Austin Meadows, placed on the injured list after missing most of summer camp due to testing positive for the coronavirus, took part in a simulated game in Port Charlotte, Fla. Manager Kevin Cash said there’s no definitive timetable for his return. Meanwhile, RHP Diego Castillo remains on paternity leave, though he possibly could return as early as Monday.

Duo exit early for Jays

Blue Jays CF Randal Grichuk left Sunday’s 6-5 10-inning loss against the Rays in the sixth inning with an apparent back injury. Relief pitcher Ken Giles was removed with the bases loaded and a 3-1 count on Ji-Man Choi in the ninth. Giles is slated to undergo an MRI exam.

Sox pitcher awaits results

Red Sox LHP Eduardo Rodriguez is awaiting results of additional testing after doctors discovered an issue with his heart they believe is a result of his bout with COVID-19. The 27year-old tested positive for the coronavirus before the start of summer camp but was cleared and returned to workouts on July 18.

He hasn’t had another positive coronavirus test, but said an MRI exam revealed a condition called myocarditis that the team’s medical staff felt was serious enough to restrict him from activities for at least a week.

Kluber leaves debut early

Corey Kluber’s Texas debut lasted just one inning as the righty threw just 18 pitches Sunday before departing his first start in almost 15 months with shoulder tightness. He was examined by a team doctor and will be further evaluated Monday.