Gee, the Rangers can't buy a break. SP Yu Darvish was scratched from his Tuesday start due to a stiff neck - the same problem that sent him to the DL to start the season. The Rangers didn't see anything too worrisome on Darvish's MRI, but a spine specialist will weigh in today, according to the Dallas Morning News. Rangers GM Jon Daniels said, "If it's good news, he may skip a start. If it's anything other than that, we'll deal with it when the news comes." This doesn't sound serious, but even that one more skipped start could result in a DL stint that keeps Darvish out until June 7. Stay tuned.
On to the rest of the news:
Dodgers OF Carl Crawford left Tuesday's game with a sprained ankle; the severity is TBD. That's one way to get Matt Kemp back in the lineup.
It doesn't sound like Reds 1B Joey Votto (quad) will be coming off the DL on Saturday, when he's eligible. "This particular injury doesn't have a due date on it," said manager Bryan Price. That's not very helpful, is it?
Streaming starters: Jon Niese was good enough last night, so we're up to 36-21 for the season. Today's pick is Charlie Morton (owned in 2.6 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) versus the Mets, while Thursday's selection is Minnesota's Samuel Deduno (0.6 percent owned) against the undermanned Rangers. Deduno isn't all that great, but he's a ground-ball machine, and has a nice matchup in his pitcher-friendly home park.
Yordano Ventura's elbow injury (diagnosed as "valgus extension overload") might cause him to miss only one start. He'll be shut down for three days, throw a couple of bullpen sessions, and then - hopefully - be ready to go, according to the Royals' website. Want a red flag? Royals GM Dayton Moore said Tuesday that Ventura will need to learn to reduce his velocity early in games. I don't think I like the sound of that, but if you own Ventura, you can exhale now.
With Nick Swisher (knee) on the DL - Carlos Santana (concussion) is on the shelf as well - the Indians will give Lonnie Chisenhall some time at first base. Finding more at bats for a guy who's batting .370 is usually a good thing.
Rockies OF Carlos Gonzalez left Tuesday's game with a bruised right calf, and is day to day.
Giants SP Matt Cain will throw a bullpen session today, and if all goes well he should come off the DL to start on Saturday.
Braves SS Andrelton Simmons left Tuesday's game with a "nagging" ankle injury, and is day to day. Teammate Evan Gattis has the same return timetable after being scratched on Tuesday due to a strained right wrist.
Prospect news: Royals SP Kyle Zimmer will miss 6-8 weeks with a lat strain. Mariners SP James Paxton will be shut down for 5-7 days due to shoulder inflammation. Fellow Mariners SP Taijuan Walker will begin another Triple-A rehab assignment tonight. Mets SP Noah Syndergaard has no structural damage in his arm, which is good news since he was shut down earlier this week due to a strained forearm.
The Red Sox have been looking for an injury to Clay Buchholz, and they appear to have found one in his left knee. Look for Buchholz to miss at least one start.
Phillies 3B prospect Maikel Franco is "not really ready to be a big leaguer yet," according to GM Ruben Amaro Jr. The numbers (four HR, .669 OPS in 45 games at Triple A) suggest that Amaro is right, so don't look for Franco to replace the injured Cody Asche.
Live BP and ground balls today for injured Nationals 3B Ryan Zimmerman (thumb). Progress!
The Pirates say they're going to ease Jason Grilli back into the closer's role. Hang on for a little while longer, Mark Melancon owners.
Padres C Yasmani Grandal left Tuesday's game after getting hit in the hand by Paul Goldschmidt's bat, and they're hoping he can return to the lineup on Friday (today was a scheduled day off for Grandal, and Thursday is an off day). Teammate Andrew Cashner (elbow) threw a successful bullpen session on Tuesday, but there's no timetable for his return just yet.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
