YANKEES’ PINEDA MAY UNDERGO TOMMY JOHN SURGERY

BOSTON» Yankees starting pitcher Michael Pineda is mulling over what could be season-ending surgery after being diagnosed with a partial ligament tear in his pitching elbow.

General manager Brian Cashman also said Friday that first baseman Greg Bird could require surgery for a right-ankle issue that hasn’t responded to a cortisone shot.

Pineda was placed on the 10-day disabled list for the ulnar collateral ligament injury, and Cashman said it was the recommendation of the team for him to undergo Tommy John surgery.

But Pineda’s intent is to get a second opinion before deciding whether to undergo surgery.

Pineda first complained of an elbow issue following an appearance prior to the all-star break. His last start was July 5 against Toronto. He lasted just four innings in that game outing, giving up five runs and nine hits.

Red Sox and Sandoval part ways.

BOSTON» The Red Sox designated third baseman Pablo Sandoval for assignment.

The team cut its losses with the one-time San Francisco Giants slugger after activating him from the disabled list. He had been on an injury rehab assignment for an inner ear infection with Triple-A Pawtucket. The Red Sox have 10 days to trade or release him.

Sandoval had won three World Series titles with the Giants before the Red Sox signed him for five years and $95 million before the 2015 season. He has appeared in just 161 games since then, hitting .237 with 14 homers.

Nationals put Ross on disabled list.

CINCINNATI» The Washington Nationals put right-hander Joe Ross on the 10-day disabled list with a sprained elbow and revamped their bullpen for a series against the Reds.

Ross went 2-1 with a 2.36 ERA in his last four starts before the injury. He’s 5-3 overall with a 5.01 ERA in 13 starts.

The Nationals also called up relievers Austin Adams and Trevor Gott from Triple-A Syracuse. Lefthander Sammy Solis was optioned to Syracuse.

Footnotes.

Mike Trout returned to the Angels’ lineup Friday, batting third and playing center field as usual when Los Angeles came back from the all-star break to face Tampa Bay. … Three minor-leaguers have been suspended for violations of baseball’s drug policy. The commissioner’s office announced that Austin Wright, a left-hander in the Colorado Rockies’ organization, was suspended without pay for the rest of the season. Wright tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug Clomiphene, the office said. Wright is on the roster of the Boise Hawks of the Single-A Northwest League but has not pitched for the Hawks this season. Also suspended were minorleague free agents Eudor Garcia and Xavier Turner. Each received a 100game suspension without pay for a third positive test for a drug of abuse. — The Associated Press