Machado case rankles umps
Manny Machado goes after plate umpire Bill Welke
SAN DIEGO — One day after Padres infielder Manny Machado was suspended one game for allegedly making contact with an umpire, the Major League Baseball Umpires Association took to social media to voice displeasure over discipline that it described as “inaction.”
In particular, the union pointed out a bat throw that Major League Baseball did not mention when announcing Machado’s suspension, which he has appealed).
“Violence in the workplace is not tolerated, and offenders are dealt with severely and even made example of for the good of it’s (sic) employees, as well as the company itself,” the association wrote on Twitter. “Is this truly what MLB wants to teach our youth?”
Home plate umpire Bill Welke had called out Machado on strikes and ejected him after Machado approached him. Machado has denied making contact. He threw his bat toward the backstop before being corralled to the Padres’ dugout. He continued to berate Welkeefore retiring to the clubhouse.
MLB said it was inappropriate for the union to comment. “We do not believe it is appropriate for the union representing Major League Umpires to comment on the discipline of players represented by the Players Association, just as it would not be appropriate for the Players Association to comment on disciplinary decisions made with respect to umpires. We also believe it is inappropriate to compare this incident to the extraordinarily serious issue of workplace violence,” the statement said.
Yankees: Slugger Giancarlo Stanton returned from the injured list and was in the lineup Tuesday against the Rays. The 2017 National League MVP was to bat fifth and play right field. Stanton last appeared in a big league game on March 31, landing on the injured list a day later with a strained left biceps that later led to shoulder complications.
Nationals: Pitcher Max Scherzer suffered a broken nose when he took a ball off his face during batting practice. Scherzer was injured while attempting a bunt. The team said a CT scan was negative. The three-time Cy Young Award winner was scheduled to start one of the two games of a day-night doubleheader against the Phillies on Wednesday. The Nationals said Scherzer‘s status — as well as the team’s pitching plan for the doubleheader — was still to be determined.
Rangers: The Rangers will retire former infielder Michael Young’s No. 10 jersey. Young will be the fifth Ranger to have his number retired by the club, and the second this season. Texas announced the honor for Young 10 days after former third baseman Adrian Beltre’s No. 29 was retired. Young’s ceremony will be Aug. 31 before a game against Seattle.
Angels: Tyler Skaggs pitched into the eighth inning, Kole Calhoun and Brian Goodwin hit solo home runs, and the Angels beat the Blue Jays 3-1. Skaggs (6-6) went a seasonbest 71⁄3 innings. He allowed a run and three hits, walked none and struck out six to win consecutive starts for the first time since beating the Royals on April 26 and the Blue Jays on May 2. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. homered for the Blue Jays, who now have lost a season-worst six straight at home.
Extra innings: Authorities in the Dominican Republic announced the arrest of an 11th suspect in the attempted killing of former Red Sox star David Ortiz. An official identified the suspect as Franklin Junior Meran. The official, who agreed to disclose the information only if not quoted by name, told The Associated Press that Meran is accused of renting one of the cars used in the June 9 shooting at a bar in Santo Domingo. Ten other suspects have already been ordered to spend a year in preventive detention as the investigation continues, including the alleged shooter. Authorities say they are looking for at least three other suspects, including the man they believe paid the hit men . ... The White Sox plan to extend the protective netting all the way to the foul poles at Guaranteed Rate Field, becoming the first major league team to take such a step in the wake of a couple of high-profile fan injuries. The White Sox and Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, which owns the ballpark, are hoping to complete the project this summer . ... The slumping Mets placed pitcher Jeurys Familia on the 10-day injured list and optioned pitcher Drew Gagnon to Triple-A Syracuse. Familia went on the IL with a bone spur in his right shoulder, one day after giving up three runs while recording only one out in a 12-3 loss to the Braves.