Cubs 3B Bryant can’t grip bat
NL MVP is not expected to play in Cardinals series.
Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant did not play in Friday’s 11-4 loss to the Cardinals because of a finger injury and the NL MVP could miss this weekend’s series against their NL Central rivals.
Bryant sprained his left little finger on a headfirst slide in the first inning of Wednesday’s 8-2 victory at Atlanta. X-rays were negative, but Bryant is experiencing soreness and there is some concern about gripping a bat.
“We’re going to do this a day-by-day thing,” manager Joe Maddon said before Friday’s loss.
“It’s sore. He has to grip the bat. That’s what it really comes down to.”
Bryant, 25, is hitting .275 with 19 homers and 40 RBIs in 88 games.
Indians:
Left-hander Boone Logan was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a strained muscle in his back. “He’s going to be down for a while,” manager Terry Francona said of Logan, who is 1-0 with a 4.71 ERA in 38 appearances. Danny Salazar, who hasn’t pitched since June 3 because of a sore right shoulder, will be activated from the disabled list and start tonight against Toronto. Also, left-hander Tyler Olson was recalled from Triple-A.
Seattle acquired left-hander Marco Gonzales from the Cardinals for top outfield prospect Tyler O’Neill, its second move to add pitching depth in as many days. The Mariners acquired veteran reliever David Phelps from Miami on Thursday. Gonzales, 25, has pitched once in the majors this season as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2016 season. Seattle is expected to have Gonzales begin at Triple-A Tacoma. O’Neill, 22, had 19 home runs in 93 games at Triple-A.
Mariners: Dodgers:
Right-hander Sergio Romo was designated for assignment. Romo, 34, was 1-1 with a 6.12 ERA. Also, left-hander Grant Dayton (stiff neck) was activated from the disabled list.
Right-hander Keone Kela was activated from the disabled list. He had been sidelined since June 27 with a sore right shoulder. Infielder Pete Kozma was designated for assignment.
Free agent slugger Chris Carter was signed to a minor league deal. Carter was recently cut by the Yankees after hitting .201 with eight home runs and 26 RBIs. Oakland also promoted right-hander Frankie Montas and first baseman/ outfielder Matt Olson from the minors.
Rangers: Athletics: Cardinals:
Outfielder Randal Grichuk (lower back injury) and reliever Zach Duke (Tommy John surgery) were activated from the disabled list and catcher Carson Kelly was recalled from Triple-A Memphis.
Andrew Romine made his first career start in right field Thursday. Romine has started at every position but pitcher and catcher this season for Detroit.
For the first time in franchise history, the Royals scored four runs in four different innings in Thursday night’s 16-4 win over the Tigers.
Tigers: Royals: Brewers:
Milwaukee has had a lead in each loss during its five-game skid. It’s the first time that has happened to the Brewers since 1993.