Dodgers’ Kelly suspended 8 games for throwing at and taunting Astros

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly was suspended for eight games by Major League Baseball on Wednesday, a day after throwing a fastball near the head of Houston’s Alex Bregman and mockingly taunting Astros star Carlos Correa.

Benches cleared after Kelly’s actions in the sixth inning of Los Angeles’ 5-2 win at Minute Maid Park. The game marked the first time the teams had met since it was revealed Houston stole signs en route to a 2017 World Series title that came at the Dodgers’ expense.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was suspended one game and Astros manager Dusty Baker was fined an undisclosed amount.

Indians

Cleveland placed starting catcher Roberto Perez on the 10-day injured list with a sore throwing shoulder.

Perez hurt his right shoulder while making an off-balance throw in Friday’s season opener.

Phillies

One Philadelphia Phillies employee who works in the visiting clubhouse has tested positive for the coronavirus. All Phillies players and on-field staff tested negative for COVID-19 for a second day in a row.

Nationals

Washington outfielder Juan Soto is still waiting to be cleared to play by the city government after getting the OK from Major League Baseball to return from the COVID-19 injured list.

Braves

Nick Markakis is returning to the Atlanta Braves, three weeks after announcing he was opting out of the season due to his concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. Markakis said he changed his mind about sitting out after watching his teammates play the first five games.

“Sitting at home, watching these guys compete … and all the risks they’re going through going out there, in the pit of my stomach I felt I wanted to be out there,” Markakis said.