MLB, umps fight on Manny
1-game suspension causes stir
Major League Baseball says it was inappropriate for the umpire’s union to comment on the one-game suspension levied against San Diego Padres star Manny Machado for his conduct following his ejection for arguing a called third strike Saturday at Colorado.
The MLB Umpires Association said in a tweet Tuesday that Machado was suspended for contact with an umpire “and VIOLENTLY throwing his bat against the backstop with absolutely no regard to anyone’s safety.” The tweet added that “Violence in the workplace is not tolerated” and asked “Is this truly what MLB wants to teach our youth?”
MLB said in a statement that MLB Chief Baseball Officer Joe Torre “considered all the facts and circumstances of Machado’s conduct, including precedent, in determining the appropriate level of discipline” and it does “not believe it is appropriate for the union representing Major League Umpires to comment on the discipline of players represented by the Players Association.”
SCHERZER BREAKS NOSE IN BUNTING PRACTICE
Washington Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer suffered a broken nose when he took a ball off his face during batting practice on Tuesday.
Scherzer was injured while attempting a bunt. The team said a CT scan was negative.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner was scheduled to start one of the two games of Washington’s day-night doubleheader against Philadelphia today. The Nationals said Scherzer’s status — as well as the team’s pitching plan for the doubleheader — was still to be determined.
CHISOX EXTEND NETTING
The Chicago White Sox plan to extend the protective netting to the foul poles at Guaranteed Rate Field, becoming the first major-league team to take that step since high-profile injuries this spring increased the focus on fan safety at ballparks.
U.S. MEN TOP GUYANA
Newcomer Tyler Boyd scored two goals to guide the United States past overmatched Guyana, 4-0, to start the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Tuesday night, getting the Americans back on track in their first competitive game in 20 months.
Boyd, a 24-year-old attacker, made his U.S. debut in an ugly 3-0 loss to Venezuela on June 9 after a FIFA-approved switch of affiliation from New Zealand.