West sets umpire record by working 5,376th game

Joe West broke the record for most games as a major league umpire — with No. 5,376 — when he worked the Cardinals-White Sox matchup on Tuesday night.

Now 68, West started out in 1976 — the first time he worked the plate, knuckleballing Hall of Famer Phil Niekro was throwing to Braves catcher Dale Murphy.

West broke the mark set by Bill Klem, who worked from 1905-41 and was known for his complete control in making running games. “It ain’t nothin’ till I call it,” he supposedly said.

West became the best-known ump in the bigs for all sorts of reasons. Never shy about speaking his mind — or singing, earning nicknames of “Cowboy Joe” and “Country Joe” for his music — he has drawn plenty of praise and criticism over the years.

There are indications this is West’s final season. Maybe he’ll retire in midseason, maybe he’ll finish out the year. Either way, as always, that’ll be his call.

MAJOR PAINS » Coming back from Tommy John surgery last year, Mets starter Noah Syndergaard was pulled from his minor league rehab outing because of soreness in his pitching elbow.

Yankees pitcher Corey Kluber will get an MRI a day after leaving his start with right shoulder tightness. The two-time Cy Young Award winner pitched a no-hitter last week but was pulled after three innings Tuesday.

Phillies star Bryce Harper will be out another week while recovering from a bruised left forearm. Hitless in his past 16 at-bats, Harper was put on the 10-day IL, retroactive to Sunday.

The Rangers placed righthander Kyle Gibson on the 10day IL with a right groin strain that their top starter had been dealing with for several games.

Indians righty Zach Plesac was put on the 10-day IL, the result of breaking the thumb on his pitching hand while yanking off his undershirt after a rough outing Sunday.