GIANTS’ STRICKLAND BREAKS RIGHT HAND PUNCHING DOOR

» Giants closer SAN FRANCISCO

Hunter Strickland broke his pitching hand punching a door in frustration after blowing the save and taking the loss in a 5-4 defeat to the Miami Marlins on Monday night.

The right-hander was undergoing surgery Tuesday and expected to be out six to eight weeks, manager Bruce Bochy said. An X-ray after the game revealed the break of Strickland’s pinkie, similar to what sidelined lefty ace Madison Bumgarner to begin the season.

“I’m thoroughly disappointed, trust me. I’m crushed because this guy had just grown as a pitcher and a player and a person,” Bochy said. “But I know Hunter, he cares. He cares deeply. He let his emotions get away, ... he had a temporary snap.”

Strickland blew his fourth save in 17 chances and second straight, allowing more than two runs for only the fourth time in his career.

Bochy said Strickland had shown maturity and made progress keeping his emotions in check since last year’s fight with Nationals star Bryce Harper.

Escobar’s consecutive streak as Royals’ SS to end.

KANSAS

MO.» Alcides Escobar’s

CITY, streak of making 406 consecutive starts as the Kansas City Royals shortstop is about to end.

Manager Ned Yost said he plans to play Adalberto Mondesi, 22, a couple of days a week at shortstop. Escobar, 31, has been the Royals everyday shortstop since 2011 after being acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers as part of the Zack Greinke trade.

With the Royals in last place, with a 22-50 record entering the game Tuesday night against the Texas Rangers, they are looking to the future.

Rangers send Mendez to minors.

KANSAS CITY, MO.

» The Texas Rangers sent rookie lefthander Yohander Mendez back to Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday for violating team rules.

Mendez was supposed to start Wednesday’s series finale against Kansas City. But righthander Austin Bibens-Dirkx will get the ball instead.

“It’s not criminal, nothing involving MLB or the police,” general manager Jon Daniels said. “There will be a program that we’ll work with Yohander on.”

Daniels said at least one other player was involved, but his discipline will be handled in-house.

Kershaw to make minor league rehab start.

Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw is scheduled make a minor league rehab start on Saturday as he continues his recovery from a strained lower back. The three-time NL Cy Young Award could be back pitching in the majors soon.

According to manager Dave Roberts, Kershaw will be limited to four innings and 60 pitches when he returns to the mound with Triple-A Oklahoma City at Omaha. If the outing goes well, Roberts hoped the left-hander’s next appearance would be with Los Angeles. — The Associated Press