FILLER LIGHT
MLB finds nothing in mysterious glow
The minor commotion over a light emanating from center field during Sunday’s game between the Yankees and Red Sox may have just been much ado about nothing.
While the light (which was flashing red, then turned white, according to Boston manager Alex Cora, who called it “no big deal” ) caused a brief delay in the game, Major League Baseball investigated and found no evidence of a rules violation by either team, a source confirmed Wednesday. The league considers the book closed on the snafu.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Sunday that Gary Sanchez, like Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez, also noticed the light from his spot behind the plate, but was unsure of its source.
While illegal sign-stealing via the use of technology has been a hot topic across MLB in recent years, Sunday’s disruption appears to not fall into that category.
➤ DJ LeMahieu returned to the Yankees’ lineup for Wednesday’s 6-5 win in 10 innings over the Phillies, going 1-for-3 in the leadoff spot, a night after he sat out because of a stomach virus, which necessitated a rapid COVID-19 test that came back negative.
➤ Though Asher Wojciechowski was called up from Triple-A to start Wednesday’s game — giving up two runs in four innings — Boone said Deivi Garcia also had been a “consideration.” Instead, the 22-year-old, who has largely struggled with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, turned in his longest start of the season Tuesday for the RailRiders, giving up three runs over six innings while tying a season-high with nine strikeouts.
“It is definitely good to see … him trending in the right direction and throwing the ball a lot better,” Boone said.
Garcia, who has made two starts this season for the Yankees, has struggled with his command. Through June 25, he had a 8.80 ERA with 25 walks in 29 2/3 innings at Triple-A. But in four starts since, he has shown slight improvement, giving up nine runs over 20 innings with nine walks and 26 strikeouts.
➤ Clarke Schmidt (right elbow strain) threw two innings of a simulated game Wednesday in Tampa, and Boone got a report from the trainers on hand that “everything went well.”
➤ Corey Kluber (right shoulder strain) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday, his first time on the mound since being shut down in May. General manager Brian Cashman has said the veteran could be back by September. … The Yankees outrighted utilityman Hoy Jun Park off the major league roster to make room for Wojciechowski. … Luke Voit (knee) did some light defensive work before the game.
➤ Ten days before the trade deadline, and with Rangers slugger Joey Gallo a potential option for the Yankees, one of Texas’ top scouts saw some intriguing Yankees prospects at High-A Hudson Valley on Tuesday, The Post’s Joel Sherman reported. Shortstop Anthony Volpe, the Yankees’ No. 11 prospect per MLB.com, and second baseman Ezequiel Duran (No. 15) combined for six hits . ... Three pitchers combined to toss a no-hitter Wednesday for Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre. Luis Gil, the Yankees’ No. 5 prospect per MLB.com, threw six innings, Reggie McClain handled two and Stephen Ridings closed it out.