Marlins cleared to return for action
Most benched by COVID are off IL
Most of the Miami Marlins players forced out by a coronavirus outbreak have been cleared by baseball’s joint committee for reinstatement and they’re expected to begin rehabilitation workouts soon.
It’s unlikely any of the players will be activated before the next homestand, which starts Aug. 28.
The Marlins placed 17 players on the injured list after the outbreak, which forced the postponement of seven games. None has played since the seasonopening series.
The group includes ace Sandy Alcantara, shortstop Miguel Rojas and eight relievers who were on the opening day roster. Despite their absence, the surprising Marlins lead the National League East Division.
Those who have been cleared will rehabilitate at the Marlins spring training site in Jupiter, Fla.
Nationals
World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg was placed on the 10-day injured list because of the recurring nerve issue in his throwing hand that delayed his start to the 2020 season and cut short his second appearance early. The team classified his injury as “carpal tunnel neuritis of the right hand.”
Athletics
Long-standing records were broken in the Oakland’s 8-7 comeback win against the Giants late Friday in San Francisco. Down, 7-2, entering the ninth inning, the A’s tied the score on a Steven Piscotty grand slam, then scored the goahead run on Mark Canha’s sacrifice fly in the 10th. According to STATS, the A’s had not rallied so late and from such a deficit since July 15, 1952. What’s more, the Giants hadn’t lost after leading by five or more runs in the ninth inning since June 25, 1929.
Braves
Atlanta decided to place outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. on the 10-day injured list retroactively because of lingering wrist soreness, and they’re hoping he can return next weekend. The 2018 NL rookie of the year hasn’t played since Monday because of inflammation in his left wrist.
Cardinals
After weeks of uncertainty, John Mozeliak watched as players and staff dropped off their rental cars and prepared for work. His cellphone was filled with encouraging baseball messages instead of questions of concern. For Mozeliak, the club’s president of baseball operations, it was a very good day. “Today feels very much like opening day for the Cardinals, and there’s a lot of excitement right now in that clubhouse,” Mozeliak said. St. Louis returned to the field Saturday for the first time in 17 days.