Major League Baseball

Fingers crossed: Jays' Bautista hopes to avoid DL

Published Jun. 24, 2014 6:18 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

John Halpin

Blue Jays OF Jose Bautista strained his left hamstring on Sunday, but he seems to think he'll avoid the DL. The Jays' website reports that "the club is hopeful the right fielder can return to the lineup in some capacity" during the current three-game series against the Yankees, and though Bautista says he won't risk making the injury worse, he called the Grade 1 strain diagnosis "some of the best news I could have gotten." Stay tuned, and stay hopeful that Bautista will play tonight or tomorrow.

Studs & duds

Stud: There were some strong pitching performances on Monday, but Lance Lynn's was the best. He allowed three hits and struck out seven in eight scoreless innings.

Stud: Lynn's teammate, 1B Matt Adams, was a one-man wrecking crew against the Rockies, hitting two home runs and knocking in six runs.

Dud: White Sox closer Ronald Belisario blew a save in the following fashion: Single, hit batsman, strikeout, home run. Manager Robin Ventura didn't offer any postgame hints that Belisario will be replaced, and it's not like they have a bunch of great alternatives.

News & notes

Nationals OF Bryce Harper (thumb) started a rehab assignment last night, as did teammate Wilson Ramos (hamstring). The Nats are hoping to get Ramos back on Thursday, while Harper is targeting a July 1 return.

San Diego's Odrisamer Despaigne threw seven shutout innings in his MLB debut, and he'll probably get another start this weekend versus the D-backs. Padres' ace Andrew Cashner (sore shoulder) seems to think he'll be back pretty soon from his DL stint.

Look for catcher Travis d'Arnaud to rejoin the Mets tonight. d'Arnaud has been on fire at hitter-friendly Triple-A Las Vegas since his early June demotion, batting .444 with six homers and a 1.409 OPS in 14 games.

Tyler Clippard got Monday's save for the Nationals because closer Rafael Soriano had worked on the three previous days. 

In Giants' injury news, 1B Brandon Belt (thumb) is targeting a July 4 return to the lineup, while OF Angel Pagan (back) - who hasn't played since June 14 - is still a DL possibility.

The Cardinals will promote lefty Marco Gonzales to start on Wednesday. Gonzales has a 1.89 ERA over 13 starts between A ball and Double A this season, and will be making his big-league debut. Here's a brief scouting report on Gonzales, who figures to have a short stay with the Cards, as Joe Kelly should be ready to pitch very soon.

OF Jarrod Dyson stole two bases for the Royals on Monday, and now has 12 on the season despite having just 105 at bats. Even in a platoon that's replacing the injured Norichika Aoki, Dyson can give you speed help. He's owned in just 0.4 percent of FOXSports.com leagues.

Streaming starters

Chase Whitley got pummeled on Monday, so we're down to 47-35 for the season. Tonight's pick is Jake Arrieta (owned in 39.7 FOXSports.com leagues), while Wednesday's selection is Charlie Morton (9.5 percent owned) in an afternoon start at Tampa.

Finishing up

Colleague Ryan Fowler checks in below with yet another update on Cubs 3B prospect Kris Bryant. Bryant might want to think about a restraining order.

See you back here tomorrow morning.

share

Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Major League Baseball