Warning on its way over Kapler mistake
The Phillies will receive a formal warning from Major League Baseball over manager Gabe Kapler’s delay tactics in a loss in Atlanta on Saturday, ESPN’s Buster Olney reported Sunday.
After the Braves took a 7-2 lead in the third inning, Kapler came to the mound to replace pitcher Vince Velasquez. But left-hander Hoby Milner, whom Kapler signaled for, hadn’t been warming up.
Kapler remained on the mound as Milner hurriedly threw a few pitches before leaving the bullpen. When Atlanta manager Brian Snitker came out of the dugout to argue about the delay — Milner didn’t reach the mound until 90 seconds after Kapler called for him — Snitker was ejected by umpire Jerry Layne.
Milner then was allowed a few warm-up pitches, Layne said, because he was trying to protect Milner’s health.
“He just wasn’t ready. Hadn’t thrown a pitch,” Layne told a pool reporter. “The last thing I want to do is get somebody hurt. It’s already a messed-up situation.”
Kapler said Milner had warmed up earlier in the game.
“Anytime we have a miscommunication, that miscommunication is my responsibility so I take full responsibility for it,” Kapler said.
Cold opener: Snow is in the forecast ahead of the Yankees’ home opener against Tampa Bay on Monday.
About 1-3 inches of snow was forecast to fall Sunday night into Monday in New York, but it was to stop early in the morning.
“I’ve never really played in snow,” Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge said. “I’ve played in cold conditions before. You’ve just got to bundle up. That’s about it.”
Cruz update: Seattle designated hitter/outfielder Nelson Cruz twisted his right ankle Saturday when he slipped on the dugout steps after a home run and had an MRI exam Sunday morning.
The injury could prevent him from playing against the Giants, who host the Mariners on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“We’ll have to wait and see what the results are,” manager Scott Servais said. “If it’s going to be longer than three or four days, we’ll have to make a roster decision. Right now, we’ll keep our fingers crossed he’ll bounce back.”
Briefly: Cincinnati closer Raisel Iglesias returned from a three-day paternity leave and the team optioned reliever Jackson Stephens to Triple-A Louisville . ... Miami promoted right-hander Severino Gonzalez from Triple-A New Orleans and optioned outfielder Braxton Lee to New Orleans. The Marlins also designated right-hander Brian Ellington for assignment.