Astros’ Springer exits with injury
LOS ANGELES – All-Star outfielder George Springer left Houston’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers after injuring his left thumb trying to steal second base in the third inning.
The team says Springer exited with discomfort in his thumb Sunday following a headfirst dive into the bag. He was thrown out by Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal.
Jake Marisnick replaced Springer in center field for the Astros. Marisnick robbed Chris Taylor of a home run to end the sixth.
Springer was the World Series MVP last year after hitting five home runs in seven games against the Dodgers. He went deep in the first inning Sunday for his sixth leadoff home run this season.
The two-time All-Star also left Tuesday’s game at Seattle when he injured his left shoulder while diving to make a catch in the first inning. He was not in the Astros’ lineup Wednesday.
Springer started all three games in the weekend series against the Dodgers, getting an extra-base hit in each game.
Astros place RHP McCullers on DL with elbow discomfort: The Houston Astros placed starting pitcher Lance McCullers on the 10-day disabled list with right elbow discomfort and activated right-handed reliever Roberto Osuna.
Osuna was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in a trade-deadline deal last week and is coming off a 75day MLB-imposed suspension for violation of the league’s domestic violence policy.
McCullers pitched four scoreless innings Saturday against the Dodgers but left as he warmed up for the fifth inning.
Astros manager A.J. Hinch said he will take advantage of some upcoming days off and go with a four-man rotation through the middle of August.
McCullers returned to Houston on Sunday morning to get a more detailed examination from team doctors.
McCullers is 10-6 for the World Series champion Astros with a 3.93 ERA in 22 starts.
A’s acquire reliever Shawn Kelley from Nationals: Shawn Kelley was acquired by the Oakland Athletics for international slot money from the Nationals, who no longer wanted the reliever after he slammed his glove to the ground and glared into Washington’s dugout during a game.
The Nationals also sent cash to the A’s in the swap.