San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Indians’ Carrasco battling leukemia
Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco is being treated for leukemia, the team revealed Saturday in a video posted to its Twitter account.
In the video, Carrasco — who hasn’t pitched since May 30 — said a blood test during spring training prompted concern. His diagnosis was made in May.
“I never thought that I would have something like this, because I play baseball, I’m like super healthy or something like that,” Carrasco, 32, said in the video. “But you never know what’s going on inside your body. When I found out, it made me even stronger, then I push myself to work through this. Then I have a lot of people behind me, helping me, especially my teammates and family.”
The video also noted that Carrasco has been spending time with pediatric leukemia patients at the Cleveland Clinic and speaking with kids dealing with their own diagnosis.
Carrasco also told a TV station in the Dominican Republic about his condition while visiting a hospital, where he was seeing patients. He said he feels positive about his prognosis and he’ll be back with the team “at the end of July.”
Asked whether Carrasco’s optimism about a quick return is realistic, manager Terry Francona said: “We’re not putting any timetables. I don’t think that’s fair to anybody.”
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. There are numerous forms of the disease, many of which are highly treatable.
Carrasco’s announcement led to a wave of support from across baseball. The Reds tweeted “Reds Country is rooting for you” to Carrasco.
Following his diagnosis, Carrasco spoke with teammate Jason Kipnis, who helped him research and understand what he was dealing with.
“He’ll get through this with the help of everybody,” Kipnis said last month. “I know the city will be very supportive of him. Every time anyone sees him they will wish him well and ask him how he’s doing. I’m sure he’ll still have a big smile on his face. He’s always in a good mood.”
Carrasco plans to address the media in Cleveland on Thursday.
AllStar additions: Yankees righthander Masahiro Tanaka was added to the AL team and Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez and Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff were named to the NL team for Tuesday’s AllStar Game in Cleveland.
Tanaka (55, 3.86 ERA) is an injury replacement for Toronto’s Marcus Stroman, who left his most recent start because of a pectoral cramp. Vazquez (2.19 ERA, 19 saves) was named as a replacement for Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke, who started Friday. Woodruff (103, 3.67) replaces teammate Josh Hader, who will miss the game because of a sore back.
“It will be a great thing if I can actually pitch in the game,” Tanaka said through an interpreter. “When you look at your baseball career, it would be something that I can be proud of.”
Injury report: The Twins placed first baseman C.J. Cron on the injured list because of a dislocated right thumb. Other players landing on the IL included Pirates lefthander Steven Brault (shoulder) and Mariners relievers Austin Adams (shoulder) and Dan Altavilla (forearm strain) . ... The Marlins activated lefthander Caleb Smith from the IL.
Briefly: Former A’s reliever Josh Lucas was designated for assignment by the Orioles . ... The Reds released reliever Zach Duke, who was signed during spring training and designated for assignment Monday.