MLB MAY SUSPEND A-ROD UNDER LABOR DEAL
NY Yankees: MLB may try to suspend Alex Rodriguez under its collective-bargaining agreement instead of its drug rules, which would eliminate any chance of delaying a penalty until after the case goes to an arbitrator, the Associated Press has learned.
Rodriguez never has been disciplined for a drug offense, and a first offender under baseball’s Joint Drug Agreement is entitled to an automatic stay if the players’ association files a grievance — meaning the penalty is put on hold until after an arbitrator rules.
While use of banned performance-enhancing substances falls under the drug agreement, MLB may argue other alleged violations are punishable under the labor contract, a person familiar with management’s deliberations told the AP. Boston: DH David Ortiz won’t be suspended for destroying two dugout phones with his bat during this weekend’s series in Baltimore. MLB spokesman Michael Teevan said the incident remains under review but that a suspension has been ruled out.
Unhappy with two called strikes by home-plate umpire Tim Timmons in Saturday’s game against the Orioles, Ortiz returned to the dugout after being ejected and destroyed the covers of two phones with his bat before charging onto the field. Detroit-Houston trade: The Tigers added some help for their shaky bullpen Monday, acquiring reliever Jose Veras from the Astros for minorleague OF Danry Vasquez and a player to be named.
Veras is 0-4 with a 2.93 ERA and 19 saves this season, and the 32-year-old right-hander has struck out 44 in 43 innings with 14 walks. LA Angels-Atlanta trade: The Braves added a needed left-hander to their bullpen by acquiring Scott Downs from the Angels for minor-league RHP Cory Rasmus.
The Braves have lost LHPs Jonny Venters and Eric O’Flaherty to season-ending elbow injuries. The 37-year-old Downs joins Luis Avilan as lefties in Atlanta’s bullpen. Downs was 2-3 with a 1.84 ERA in 43 games with the Angels. He is 36-35 with a 3.47 ERA in 12 seasons. Tampa Bay-Chicago White Sox trade: The Rays acquired injured reliever Jesse Crain from the White Sox in an attempt to bolster their bullpen for the AL East stretch run.
The White Sox will receive players to be named or cash for Crain, a 32-year-old righthander who is 2-3 with a 1.15 ERA in 38 appearances. He was placed on the disabled list on July 3 with a right-shoulder strain. Miami: Kevin Slowey will be out four to six weeks due to a strained right-forearm muscle an MRI revealed on Monday. Slowey is 3-6 with a 4.11 ERA in 20 games, making 14 starts in his first year with the Marlins.