MLB REPORT

CHICAGO CUBS

The Cubs dropped their protest over the pitching delivery of Washington reliever Sean Doolittle.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon came out twice in the ninth inning of a 5-2 loss Saturday night to complain to plate umpire San Holbrook about Doolittle. Maddon said he believed the lefthanded Doolittle was tapping his right toe on the ground before coming to the plate.

Cubs reliever Carl Edwards Jr. was informed at the end of spring training that his delivery, which featured a similar toe-tap, was illegal. That ruling miffed Maddon and the Cubs.

“The whole thing I really wanted to get done was to protect Carl,” Maddon said Sunday. “I really didn’t anticipate a whole lot to be done with (the protest) even though I still don’t agree with the conclusion because I think it’s exactly what Carl did, only a different version of it.

RHP Masahiro Tanaka (right shin contusion) was walking normally after being hit by a ground ball on Satuday. Manager Aaron Boone said Tanaka was still feeling some soreness and the Yankees will know in the next few days if he can make his next start. … LHP James Paxton (left knee inflammation) threw 20 pitches during his third bullpen session. Paxton will throw his fourth bullpen session Tuesday and could be activated for his next turn if that goes well. Paxton has not pitched since May 3.

The Mariners continued to remake their bullpen, promoting RHP David McKay from Class AAA Tacoma on Sunday and designating Mike Wright for assignment.. Seattle manager Scott Servais said the team would like to have him back if he clears waivers.