Tigers pitching coach “crushed” by firing
Chris Bosio says he was fired as the Detroit Tigers' pitching coach for using the word "monkey," but insists he didn't say it in a racial or demeaning context.
Bosio told USA Today that he used the word while talking about pitcher Daniel Stumpf, who is white. Bosio said Stumpf is nicknamed "Spider Monkey" because of the faces he makes while lifting weights. Bosio said an African-American clubhouse attendant overheard the conversation. Tigers general manager Al Avila said Wednesday that Bosio was fired for making insensitive comments to another team employee. Avila declined to offer additional details.
Bosio told USA Today that he was "crushed" about his firing. Bosio said he plans to hire a lawyer while determining whether to sue for wrongful termination.
Cubs’ Darvish has pitching setback
Yu Darvish won't be rejoining the Chicago Cubs' rotation this weekend after sustaining a setback during a bullpen session on Thursday.
Manager Joe Maddon says the Japanese right-hander felt pain in his right arm.
"It didn't go well," Maddon said. "He still felt pain on extension. He wasn't able to cut it loose."
Darvish will return to Chicago to be evaluated, and won't pitch Saturday as scheduled. He'll be replaced by Tyler Chatwood, who came off the paternity list.
Astros’ shortstop Correa going on DL
Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa is heading to the 10-day disabled list because of a stiff back.
Correa sat out games on Tuesday and Wednesday, and wasn't in the lineup Thursday night at Tampa Bay. The Astros say he'll be put on the DL on Friday. Houston manager A.J. Hinch said by putting Correa on the disabled list Friday, retroactive for three days, there is a possibility the 23-year-old star can be activated July 5 for a weekend series against the Chicago White Sox.
Ohtani's elbow injury shows improvement
Shohei Ohtani's elbow injury has healed enough that the Los Angeles Angels' twoway star can begin a hitting program immediately.
General manager Billy Eppler said Thursday that Ohtani underwent an MRI in Los Angeles that showed improvement to his ulnar collateral ligament, clearing him to take batting practice in private. Ohtani was placed on the disabled list with a UCL sprain June 8. He will be re-evaluated by doctors in three weeks.
Ohtani has a Grade 2 sprain, or partial tear, of the UCL in his right elbow. In hopes of avoiding Tommy John surgery, the Angels had Ohtani's ligament injected with platelet-rich plasma and stem cells earlier this month.