Mariners’ weakened rotation takes another hit
Mariners left-hander James Paxton was placed on the 10-day disabled list Friday with a left forearm strain, another blow for Seattle’s already short-handed starting rotation.
The Mariners believe Paxton will only miss t wo or three starts. But Paxton is the third pitcher from the projected starting rotation from spring training to find himself on the DL, joining Drew Smyly (60-day DL) and Felix Hernandez (10-day DL).
Paxton is one of baseball’s best pitchers this season with a 3-0 record and 1.43 ERA.
“These are curveballs that happen. It just seems that they’ve been extreme,” Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto said.
“You can’t plan for these things.”
Mets: Catcher Travis d’Arnaud was pl a c e d o n t he 10-day DL with a bruised right wrist. D’Arnaud, 28, is expected to wear a splint for at least seven days and then rest his wrist until he can resume baseball activities.
Cardinals: Outfielder Stephen Piscotty was placed on the 10-day DL with a right hamstring strain. He was hurt while running to first base on a grounder Thursday.
Royals: Right-hander Ian Kennedy was put on the 10-day DL with a strained r i g h t h a ms t r i n g . R i g h t - hander Miguel Almonte was recalled from Double-A.
Brewers: Manager Craig Counsell said an MRI on the strained right arm of left fielder Ryan Braun did not reveal any issues. Braun is expected to rejoin the team today and will be available as a pinch hitter.
Orioles: Left-hander Wade Miley was struck by two consecutive line drives in the first inning and removed from Friday’s game against the White Sox after throwing 12 pitches in the shortest start of his career.
Tigers: In the biggest step of his lengthy recovery from a Lisfranc sprain in his right foot, J.D. Martinez was scheduled to begin a minor league injury rehabilitation assignment with Class A Lakeland on Friday. He was injured in a spring game March 18.
Blue Jays: Manager John Gibbons said Marcus Stroman wi l l make h i s n e x t scheduled start Monday night against Cleveland. Stroman left Wednesday’s loss after three innings bec ause of tightness in his right armpit.
Yankees: Catcher Gary Sanchez went 0 for 4 and got hit by a pitch Friday in his return from the DL. He had been sidelined since April 8 with a strained right biceps. Catcher Kyle Higashioka was optioned to Triple-A.
■ Closer Aroldis Chapman returned to Wrigley Field on Friday for the first time since playing a major role in the Cubs’ first championship in 108 years. Before the game, Chapman took the field to receive his World Series ring from Cubs manager Joe Maddon.
Noteworthy: MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said all 30 teams are being surveyed as they consider instituting league-wide guidelines for handling fans who make racist remarks like those at Fenway Park this week. Manfred said the goal is to make sure players feel comfortable in every ballpark.