Baez goes on il with back spasms
The Mets put newly acquired infielder Javy Baez on the 10-day injured list with back spasms before their 6-5, 10-inning loss to the Dodgers on Friday.
Baez was injured in the fifth inning of Sunday’s game in Philadelphia when the Mets said he had left hip soreness. He has not started the last three games and came up as a pinch hitter Wednesday against the Nationals.
Since being acquired in a trade with the Cubs, the two-time All-Star is hitting .171 (6-for-35) with two homers and three RBI in 10 games. He has played nine games at shortstop while Francisco Lindor recovers from a strained right oblique. Overall, he is hitting .241 with 24 homers and 68 RBI this season.
In other Mets news, ace Jacob deGrom won’t throw for at least another two weeks as he deals with inflammation in his throwing elbow. DeGrom’s MRI exam showed some progress but not enough to start pitching again. He has been out more than a month already.
† The administrative leave for Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer was again extended by a week through Aug. 20, his fifth extension by MLB and the players’ association while investigators check into allegations of sexual misconduct. A civil hearing for the temporary restraining order that was obtained against Bauer is scheduled for Aug. 16-19 in L.A. Superior Court.
In other Dodgers news, superstar outfielder Mookie Betts received an injection for a bone spur in his right hip, but his timetable for a return is uncertain.
† Kyle Schwarber (0-for-2) scored twice in his debut for the Red Sox, and his new teammates delivered three home runs in an 8-1 victory over the slumping Orioles. Schwarber, who was acquired in a trade with the Nationals right before the deadline, had to wait two weeks before a right hamstring strain healed enough for him to play for the first time since July 2. Xander Bogaerts, Bobby Dalbec and Hunter Renfroe each homered.
In other Red Sox news, Chris Sale will make his first start for the team since Aug. 13, 2019, on Saturday.
† The Field of Dreams game Thursday night on Fox between the Yankees and White Sox attracted an average of 5.9 million viewers across TV and streaming and was the most-viewed MLB regular-season game on the network since 2005.
† Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford
agreed to a two-year, $32 million contract extension. The 34-year-old Crawford, who was selected to the All-Star Game for a third time this season, has a .296 batting average with 19 home runs, 69 RBI and a .904 OPS.
† Joey Votto hit a three-run homer and Tyler Mahle tossed seven shutout innings to lead the Reds to a 6-1 win over the Phillies.
COLLEGES
Pac-12, Big Ten, ACC discussing alliance
The Pac-12, Big Ten and ACC reportedly are in discussions about forming an alliance, likely built around scheduling but possibly other areas. An alliance would likely be an effort to counter the recently expanded SEC. The next major College Football Playoff meeting is set for Sept. 28 in Chicago.
MISCELLANEOUS
Thornton, 42, signs with Panthers
Joe Thornton’s pursuit of the elusive Stanley Cup is bringing him to the Panthers. The 42-year-old signed a one-year deal, making Florida his fourth franchise in a now 24-year NHL career.
† Russell Henley shot a 6-under 64 to open a four-stroke lead halfway through the Wyndham Championship. Henley was at 14-under 126, tying Stewart Cink at the RBC Heritage in April for the lowest 36hole score this season.
† Helio Castroneves, the first foreignborn, four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, was named as the headliner in a nine-member Motorsports Hall of Fame of America induction class for 2022. ✶