Brenly’s onair remark panned
Former Giants catcher and coach Bob Brenly, now a broadcaster for the Diamondbacks, issued an apology for a comment about Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman’s head covering that the righthander said had racist undertones.
“During last night’s game, I made a poor attempt at humor that was insensitive and wrong,” Brenly said in a statement Wednesday. “I apologize to Marcus Stroman and have reached out directly to share those thoughts. I have had several conversations with the Dbacks and we agree that seeking sensitivity training is an important step so that I can continue to learn from my mistakes in order to be better in the future.”
Brenly, working for Bally Sports Arizona, made the remark about Stroman’s headwear during the fourth inning of the Diamondbacks’ 65, 10inning win Tuesday night in Arizona.
“Pretty sure that’s the same durag that Tom Seaver used to wear when he pitched for the Mets,” Brenly said.
After learning of Brenly’s comments, Stroman, who is Black, tweeted after the game: “Onward and upward…through all adversity and racist undertones. The climb continues through all!”
Bumgarner ailing: Arizona lefthander Madison Bumgarner, who allowed five earned runs on eight hits in two innings against the Mets on Wednesday, will undergo an MRI exam of his left shoulder after experiencing discomfort.
Bumgarner said the issue began a few weeks ago but that he didn’t tell the Diamondbacks because he thought his shoulder would start feeling better.
“This is just bad judgment on my part,” he said. “I thought it was going to get better and go away sooner. The last three to four days, it’s gotten worse and affected my pitching.”
Surgery for Garver: Minnesota catcher Mitch Garver, who exited a game Tuesday after being struck in the groin by a foul ball, said on Instagram that he had surgery as a result of the incident. He was placed on the 10day IL Wednesday.
“A successful surgery was performed and I stayed the night in the hospital,” Garver said on Instagram. “I’m recovering well — thanks for all the messages and texts.”
Garver is batting .224 with eight homers in 41 games, including 31 in which he started behind the plate.
With Garver sidelined, catcher Ryan Jeffers was recalled from the minors. Ben Rortvedt and Willians Astudillo also are catching options for the Twins.
More injuries: The Nationals placed righthander Stephen Strasburg on the 10day IL with a neck strain. He was pulled from a start Tuesday after 11⁄3 innings after he complained of tightness in his shoulder and neck. ... Minnesota utilityman Rob Refsnyder was placed on the sevenday concussion IL.