NEW YORK – The Mets ensured themselves at least a split of their current series Tuesday night when Jay Bruce delivered an RBI single in the bottom of the 12th inning to cap a 5-4 victory vs. Milwaukee.
The Brewers pushed their winning streak over the Mets to five games after sweeping three at Miller Park earlier this month. The 29 runs scored by Milwaukee in the series were its most ever against New York.
The Mets took the rubber game from the Pirates on Sunday night, 7-2. New York has had at least 12 hits in three consecutive games for the first time since another three-game run from September 1-4, 2015.
The Mets' Jacob deGrom (4-1, 3.23 ERA) will oppose the Brewers' Junior Guerra (0-0, 3.12 ERA) in a battle of right-handers on Wednesday.
"We're starting to get our guys back to where they belong," Mets manager Terry Collins said Tuesday. "I think all the guys are comfortable with the fact that, hey, we've ironed out all the kinks. And now it's just keep charging and not worry about what happened yesterday or last week or last month."
Milwaukee's Domingo Santana went 2-for-4 with a double and his first career grand slam in the win over the Diamondbacks on Sunday. In 11 games since May 15, Santana ranks fourth in the NL with 14 RBI.
Lucas Duda homered for the second straight game and the third time in the last four games in Sunday's win at the Pirates. Duda has reached base in all 15 games since coming off the DL on May 12, batting .286 with a 1.018 OPS.
Milwaukee's Matt Garza allowed three home runs in his loss to the Blue Jays on Wednesday, his first time giving up multiple homers since July 6, 2016. The span of 19 starts without allowing multiple home runs matched the longest stretch of Garza's career (June 2, 2014 -- April 19, 2015).
Robert Gsellman scattered six hits over six innings while earning his second quality start of the season last Wednesday against the Padres. However, Gsellman is the first pitcher in Mets history to allow at least three earned runs in each of his first eight starts of the season.
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Yankees can win series tonight in Baltimore
BALTIMORE – After dropping the first game of the series vs. the Orioles 3-2, the Yankees rebounded on Tuesday wit a 8-3 victory. Tonight, the Yankees can clinch the series win with a win tonight in game three of the series.
While Yankees manager Joe Girardi is pleased with his team's performance this season, he knows there still room for improvement.
"I just think at times we've been a little inconsistent with that we've done," Girardi said. "Teams go through that. Other times, we've pitched really, really well and have not scored runs. Other times, we scored runs and not pitched really, really well. Through the course of the season, you're going to go through that, or you're going to end up with 120 wins and that has not happened."
"I still like the way we're playing. We have a chance every game."
These teams have split their first six meetings of 2017, with each taking two of three games at its home ballpark. Baltimore has won all 10 of its home series versus the Yankees since the beginning of 2014, going 22-8 in those encounters.
The Yankees are coming off a 4-2 homestand in which they captured a pair of series, two games to one. They improved their record in home series to 7-1 this season, tying Baltimore for the highest percentage (.875) in the American League.
The Orioles' losing streak is now seven games after getting swept by Houston at Camden Yards this weekend. It's Baltimore's longest skid since dropping nine in a row in July 2011. The Orioles have been outscored, 38-17, during their current slump.
Aaron Judge has connected for home runs on 43.3 percent (13/30) of the fly balls he's lifted this season. That's the highest rate by any hitter in baseball (minimum 20 fly balls), and roughly two and a half times the MLB average (17.2 percent).
Aaron Hicks is hitting 130 points higher on the road (.358) than he is at home (228). Among American Leaguers with at least 125 plate appearances, only Jose Altuve has fared so much better away from his own ballpark (.237 home, .403 road, +.166).
Masahiro Tanaka will make his 11th start of the season tonight at Baltimore. The 28-year-old will start on regular four days' rest. He is 5-4 with a 5.86 ERA in 2017.
In six starts versus the AL East this season, Dylan Bundy is 4-1 with a 1.82 ERA. That contrasts sharply with his performance last year, when Bundy went 2-4 with a 7.76 ERA over seven starts against his division rivals.
While Yankees manager Joe Girardi is pleased with his team's performance this season, he knows there still room for improvement.
"I just think at times we've been a little inconsistent with that we've done," Girardi said. "Teams go through that. Other times, we've pitched really, really well and have not scored runs. Other times, we scored runs and not pitched really, really well. Through the course of the season, you're going to go through that, or you're going to end up with 120 wins and that has not happened."
"I still like the way we're playing. We have a chance every game."
These teams have split their first six meetings of 2017, with each taking two of three games at its home ballpark. Baltimore has won all 10 of its home series versus the Yankees since the beginning of 2014, going 22-8 in those encounters.
The Yankees are coming off a 4-2 homestand in which they captured a pair of series, two games to one. They improved their record in home series to 7-1 this season, tying Baltimore for the highest percentage (.875) in the American League.
The Orioles' losing streak is now seven games after getting swept by Houston at Camden Yards this weekend. It's Baltimore's longest skid since dropping nine in a row in July 2011. The Orioles have been outscored, 38-17, during their current slump.
Aaron Judge has connected for home runs on 43.3 percent (13/30) of the fly balls he's lifted this season. That's the highest rate by any hitter in baseball (minimum 20 fly balls), and roughly two and a half times the MLB average (17.2 percent).
Aaron Hicks is hitting 130 points higher on the road (.358) than he is at home (228). Among American Leaguers with at least 125 plate appearances, only Jose Altuve has fared so much better away from his own ballpark (.237 home, .403 road, +.166).
Masahiro Tanaka will make his 11th start of the season tonight at Baltimore. The 28-year-old will start on regular four days' rest. He is 5-4 with a 5.86 ERA in 2017.
In six starts versus the AL East this season, Dylan Bundy is 4-1 with a 1.82 ERA. That contrasts sharply with his performance last year, when Bundy went 2-4 with a 7.76 ERA over seven starts against his division rivals.
Health records vendor settles false-claims suit for $155M
Associated Press
BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — One of the country’s largest vendors of electronic health records will pay a $155 million settlement to resolve allegations it caused health care providers to submit false claims to the federal government, the U.S. Department of Justice and federal prosecutors in Vermont announced Wednesday.
The acting U.S. attorney for Vermont said eClinicalWorks, of Westborough, Massachusetts, and three executives will pay the settlement to resolve allegations the company misrepresented the abilities of its software and paid kickbacks to some customers in exchange for promoting its products.
“Every day, millions of Americans rely on the accuracy of their electronic health records to record and transmit their vital health information,” Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad Readler, of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division, said in statement. “This resolution is a testament to our deep commitment to public health and our determination to hold accountable those whose conduct results in improper payments by the federal government.”
Most of the money will go into federal Medicare and Medicaid funds, said Eugenia Cowles, acting U.S. attorney for Vermont.
The case began as a whistleblower lawsuit filed in Vermont by an employee of the New York City Division of Health Care Access and Improvement.
Vermont is among many states that had providers that used the software, prosecutors said. An attorney representing whistleblower Brendan Delaney said they chose to file the lawsuit in Vermont because of the talented team of lawyers in the federal prosecutor’s office.
Delaney will receive $30 million from the settlement.
Colette G. Matzzie, who represented Delaney, called the case “ground-breaking.”
“It is the first time that the government has held an electronic health records vendor accountable for failing to meet federal standards designed to ensure patient safety and quality patient care,” Matzzie said.
Federal prosecutors allege the company violated the false-claims act by falsely getting certification for its electronic health records software; by causing health care providers to falsely certify compliance with requirements to receive federal incentive payments; and by paying kickbacks to providers to recommend its product, Cowles said.
The company has denied any wrongdoing.
“Today’s settlement recognizes that we have addressed the issues raised and have taken significant measures to promote compliance and transparency,” said CEO Girish Navani, who will pay part of the settlement. “We are pleased to put this matter behind us and concentrate all of our efforts on customers and continued innovations to enhance patient care delivery.”
As part of the settlement, eClinicalWorks must retain an independent organization to assess its software quality control systems.
BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — One of the country’s largest vendors of electronic health records will pay a $155 million settlement to resolve allegations it caused health care providers to submit false claims to the federal government, the U.S. Department of Justice and federal prosecutors in Vermont announced Wednesday.
The acting U.S. attorney for Vermont said eClinicalWorks, of Westborough, Massachusetts, and three executives will pay the settlement to resolve allegations the company misrepresented the abilities of its software and paid kickbacks to some customers in exchange for promoting its products.
“Every day, millions of Americans rely on the accuracy of their electronic health records to record and transmit their vital health information,” Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad Readler, of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division, said in statement. “This resolution is a testament to our deep commitment to public health and our determination to hold accountable those whose conduct results in improper payments by the federal government.”
Most of the money will go into federal Medicare and Medicaid funds, said Eugenia Cowles, acting U.S. attorney for Vermont.
The case began as a whistleblower lawsuit filed in Vermont by an employee of the New York City Division of Health Care Access and Improvement.
Vermont is among many states that had providers that used the software, prosecutors said. An attorney representing whistleblower Brendan Delaney said they chose to file the lawsuit in Vermont because of the talented team of lawyers in the federal prosecutor’s office.
Delaney will receive $30 million from the settlement.
Colette G. Matzzie, who represented Delaney, called the case “ground-breaking.”
“It is the first time that the government has held an electronic health records vendor accountable for failing to meet federal standards designed to ensure patient safety and quality patient care,” Matzzie said.
Federal prosecutors allege the company violated the false-claims act by falsely getting certification for its electronic health records software; by causing health care providers to falsely certify compliance with requirements to receive federal incentive payments; and by paying kickbacks to providers to recommend its product, Cowles said.
The company has denied any wrongdoing.
“Today’s settlement recognizes that we have addressed the issues raised and have taken significant measures to promote compliance and transparency,” said CEO Girish Navani, who will pay part of the settlement. “We are pleased to put this matter behind us and concentrate all of our efforts on customers and continued innovations to enhance patient care delivery.”
As part of the settlement, eClinicalWorks must retain an independent organization to assess its software quality control systems.
Advice for rail riders this summer: Leave early. Very early
Associated Press
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Transit has some advice for its riders who will bear the brunt of service disruptions caused by major repairs at New York’s Penn Station this summer:
Leave early. Very early.
Executives from the transit agency faced questions Wednesday in Newark from lawmakers upset they weren’t consulted on the plan announced last week.
Trains from Morris and Essex counties in northern New Jersey will be rerouted to Hoboken during peak periods.
However, NJ Transit Executive Director Steve Santoro said those lines will run normal service into New York until 7 a.m. weekdays.
Lawmakers questioned why NJ Transit’s other rail lines won’t be affected.
Amtrak is going to shut three of 21 tracks for two months this summer to repair and replace aging infrastructure at Penn Station after recent derailments.
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Transit has some advice for its riders who will bear the brunt of service disruptions caused by major repairs at New York’s Penn Station this summer:
Leave early. Very early.
Executives from the transit agency faced questions Wednesday in Newark from lawmakers upset they weren’t consulted on the plan announced last week.
Trains from Morris and Essex counties in northern New Jersey will be rerouted to Hoboken during peak periods.
However, NJ Transit Executive Director Steve Santoro said those lines will run normal service into New York until 7 a.m. weekdays.
Lawmakers questioned why NJ Transit’s other rail lines won’t be affected.
Amtrak is going to shut three of 21 tracks for two months this summer to repair and replace aging infrastructure at Penn Station after recent derailments.
NY officer pleads not guilty in mentally ill woman’s death
By COLLEEN LONG and JENNIFER PELTZ
Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — A police sergeant was charged with murder Wednesday in the shooting of a 66-year-old mentally ill woman wielding a baseball bat, a death the mayor called tragic and unacceptable.
Sgt. Hugh Barry pleaded not guilty at an arraignment Wednesday to charges that also included manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in Deborah Danner’s October death. He was released on bail.
Police were responding to a 911 call about an emotionally disturbed person when Barry, who has been with the New York Police Department for eight years, encountered Danner in her Bronx apartment.
Danner had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Officers had been called to her home several times before to take her to the hospital during psychiatric episodes and had been able to take her away safely, Mayor Bill de Blasio said at the time.
On Oct. 18, Barry persuaded Danner to drop a pair of scissors she had been holding, police said. But when she picked up a baseball bat and tried to strike him, he fired two shots that hit her torso, they said.
Assistant District Attorney Wanda Perez-Maldonado said Barry had disregarded his training regarding proper procedures for handling people with mental illness.
He had a stun gun, but did not use it.
Sgt. Ed Mullins, the head of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, said Barry “did not go to work intending to kill anyone.” He called the murder charge “obscene.”
“Officers risk their lives going into these situations. It’s a split-second decision,” Mullins said. “I firmly believe in the weeks and months ahead that you will see Sgt. Barry acquitted of all charges.”
Barry, 31, who had never fired his weapon before, has been suspended from the force while the criminal case plays out. He was suspended without pay for 30 days.
New York City police respond to tens of thousands of calls about emotionally disturbed people each year. Officers and commanders, Barry among them, receive training on how to deal with mentally ill people that includes instruction in techniques to “de-escalate” a situation, rather than resort to force.
Danner’s shooting sparked protests and a rebuke from the mayor.
“Our officers are supposed to use deadly force only when faced with a dire situation. It’s very hard to see that standard was met,” de Blasio said the day after the shooting. “Something went horribly wrong here.”
New York police Commissioner James O’Neill, meanwhile, said at the time that his department failed by not using means other than deadly force.
District Attorney Darcel Clark said she empaneled a special grand jury that spent two months investigating the case before returning an indictment.
Officials and police reform advocates who had condemned Danner’s killing commended Barry’s arrest. Civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton called it “a good step in a long walk toward justice,” while Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said it marked progress in “addressing an issue that has been long neglected, and that is how to deal with our mentally ill residents in volatile situations.”
Danner’s death evoked memories of the 1984 police killing of another black Bronx woman, Eleanor Bumpurs, who was shot after waving a knife at officers while being evicted from her apartment.
Relatives have said Danner had been ill since her college years. She had done some computer-related work at one point and was a book-lover and artist, often sketching the people around her, a former lawyer of hers has said.
In a searing, eloquent 2012 essay on living with schizophrenia, she agonized over the deaths of mentally ill people like her at the hands of police.
“We are all aware of the all too frequent news stories about the mentally ill who come up against law enforcement instead of mental health professionals and end up dead,” she wrote in the essay, which she had given to her attorney.
___
Associated Press writer Karen Matthews contributed to this report.
Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — A police sergeant was charged with murder Wednesday in the shooting of a 66-year-old mentally ill woman wielding a baseball bat, a death the mayor called tragic and unacceptable.
Sgt. Hugh Barry pleaded not guilty at an arraignment Wednesday to charges that also included manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in Deborah Danner’s October death. He was released on bail.
Police were responding to a 911 call about an emotionally disturbed person when Barry, who has been with the New York Police Department for eight years, encountered Danner in her Bronx apartment.
Danner had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Officers had been called to her home several times before to take her to the hospital during psychiatric episodes and had been able to take her away safely, Mayor Bill de Blasio said at the time.
On Oct. 18, Barry persuaded Danner to drop a pair of scissors she had been holding, police said. But when she picked up a baseball bat and tried to strike him, he fired two shots that hit her torso, they said.
Assistant District Attorney Wanda Perez-Maldonado said Barry had disregarded his training regarding proper procedures for handling people with mental illness.
He had a stun gun, but did not use it.
Sgt. Ed Mullins, the head of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, said Barry “did not go to work intending to kill anyone.” He called the murder charge “obscene.”
“Officers risk their lives going into these situations. It’s a split-second decision,” Mullins said. “I firmly believe in the weeks and months ahead that you will see Sgt. Barry acquitted of all charges.”
Barry, 31, who had never fired his weapon before, has been suspended from the force while the criminal case plays out. He was suspended without pay for 30 days.
New York City police respond to tens of thousands of calls about emotionally disturbed people each year. Officers and commanders, Barry among them, receive training on how to deal with mentally ill people that includes instruction in techniques to “de-escalate” a situation, rather than resort to force.
Danner’s shooting sparked protests and a rebuke from the mayor.
“Our officers are supposed to use deadly force only when faced with a dire situation. It’s very hard to see that standard was met,” de Blasio said the day after the shooting. “Something went horribly wrong here.”
New York police Commissioner James O’Neill, meanwhile, said at the time that his department failed by not using means other than deadly force.
District Attorney Darcel Clark said she empaneled a special grand jury that spent two months investigating the case before returning an indictment.
Officials and police reform advocates who had condemned Danner’s killing commended Barry’s arrest. Civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton called it “a good step in a long walk toward justice,” while Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said it marked progress in “addressing an issue that has been long neglected, and that is how to deal with our mentally ill residents in volatile situations.”
Danner’s death evoked memories of the 1984 police killing of another black Bronx woman, Eleanor Bumpurs, who was shot after waving a knife at officers while being evicted from her apartment.
Relatives have said Danner had been ill since her college years. She had done some computer-related work at one point and was a book-lover and artist, often sketching the people around her, a former lawyer of hers has said.
In a searing, eloquent 2012 essay on living with schizophrenia, she agonized over the deaths of mentally ill people like her at the hands of police.
“We are all aware of the all too frequent news stories about the mentally ill who come up against law enforcement instead of mental health professionals and end up dead,” she wrote in the essay, which she had given to her attorney.
___
Associated Press writer Karen Matthews contributed to this report.
New Jersey balks at New York City’s Delaware River plan
Associated Press
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New Jersey’s environmental commissioner says the state won’t sign off on a one-year extension of the management plan for water releases from New York City’s upstate reservoirs into the Delaware River.
Commissioner Bob Martin says the plan that expires Thursday doesn’t allow New Jersey to withdraw its “fair share” of water from the Delaware.
Paul Rush, deputy commissioner of New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection, says that means his agency will have to go back to a 1983 management plan that reduces water releases from current levels. That could harm trout and tourism businesses downstream of the city’s dams as the river level drops.
Martin says Wednesday he hopes negotiations over a revised plan resume, but he’s not ruling out litigation.
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New Jersey’s environmental commissioner says the state won’t sign off on a one-year extension of the management plan for water releases from New York City’s upstate reservoirs into the Delaware River.
Commissioner Bob Martin says the plan that expires Thursday doesn’t allow New Jersey to withdraw its “fair share” of water from the Delaware.
Paul Rush, deputy commissioner of New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection, says that means his agency will have to go back to a 1983 management plan that reduces water releases from current levels. That could harm trout and tourism businesses downstream of the city’s dams as the river level drops.
Martin says Wednesday he hopes negotiations over a revised plan resume, but he’s not ruling out litigation.
Air Force vet convicted of terrorism gets 35 years in prison
Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — A U.S. Air Force veteran convicted in New York of terrorism charges for trying to join the Islamic State group and die a martyr will spend 35 years in prison.
Tairod Pugh (TAY’-rahd pyoo), of Neptune, New Jersey, was sentenced Wednesday.
Prosecutors say Pugh was stopped at a Turkish airport in January 2015 carrying a laptop with information on Turkey-Syria border crossing points. They say the laptop also contained 180 jihadist propaganda videos, including footage of a beheading.
Prosecutors cited a letter Pugh wrote to his wife saying there were only two possible outcomes for him: “Victory or martyr.”
Pugh’s attorney insisted he had no ill intent when he went to Turkey.
Pugh’s 2016 conviction was the first verdict from more than 70 cases the government brought against Americans accused of trying to support the militant group.
NEW YORK (AP) — A U.S. Air Force veteran convicted in New York of terrorism charges for trying to join the Islamic State group and die a martyr will spend 35 years in prison.
Tairod Pugh (TAY’-rahd pyoo), of Neptune, New Jersey, was sentenced Wednesday.
Prosecutors say Pugh was stopped at a Turkish airport in January 2015 carrying a laptop with information on Turkey-Syria border crossing points. They say the laptop also contained 180 jihadist propaganda videos, including footage of a beheading.
Prosecutors cited a letter Pugh wrote to his wife saying there were only two possible outcomes for him: “Victory or martyr.”
Pugh’s attorney insisted he had no ill intent when he went to Turkey.
Pugh’s 2016 conviction was the first verdict from more than 70 cases the government brought against Americans accused of trying to support the militant group.
Mets defeat Brewers on Bruce single in 12th
(TSX / STATS) --
NEW YORK -- The New York Mets have spent all month searching for a
reliable fifth starter and all season hunting for at least one more
dependable late-inning reliever. They might have found both Tuesday
night.
Jay Bruce capped a marathon by delivering a one-out RBI single in the 12th inning as the Mets edged the Milwaukee Brewers 5-4 at Citi Field.
Bruce's hit -- his first in six at-bats -- made a winner of left-hander Josh Smoker (1-2), who struck out four while throwing three innings for only the second time in 38 major league games.
Smoker entered Tuesday with an 8.00 ERA this season and had produced a scoreless outing in only three of his previous 10 appearances. That stretch was interrupted by a brief demotion to Triple-A Las Vegas in which Smoker worked as a starter in order to better develop his off-speed pitches.
On Tuesday, Smoker might have vaulted himself into consideration for a late-inning role in a beleaguered bullpen (the Mets' relievers entered Tuesday with a 4.85 ERA, the seventh-worst mark in the majors). He wriggled out of a two-on, one-out jam in the 10th, when he struck out the side, before throwing a perfect 11th and a one-hit 12th.
"I think it was really good for me, I think I needed that," said Smoker, who was wearing the crown and boxing robe awarded to the Mets' player of the game following victories. "I've been struggling a little bit of late, so I think as far as getting out there and getting that three innings in, I think it was huge for my confidence and definitely gave me some momentum going forward from here on out."
Smoker's scoreless relief work and Bruce's game-winning hit also ensured the first start of right-hander Tyler Pill's major league career would be noticed. Pill, the third pitcher the Mets have tried in place of injured ace Noah Syndergaard, exited in line for the win after allowing one run on six hits and three walks while striking out four over 5 1/3 innings.
"He lived up to exactly what I heard about," Mets manager Terry Collins said of Pill, who earned the promotion by recording a 1.96 ERA in nine starts between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Las Vegas despite throwing a fastball that rarely exceeds 90 mph. "He doesn't give in. He doesn't beat himself."
The previous pitchers to fill Syndergaard's spot, left-hander Tommy Milone and right-hander Rafael Montero, combined to post a 10.61 ERA in five starts in May, which could explain why a dampened crowd of 24,457 gave Pill a warm ovation as he walked off the mound.
"That's a great feeling," said Pill, who turned 27 on Monday. "It's awesome how many people were behind you when you're playing and how much they're rooting for you and cheering for you."
The Mets led 2-1 when Pill left and expanded the lead in the sixth, when Lucas Duda hit a two-run homer.
The Brewers tied the game in the seventh. Domingo Santana drew a bases-loaded walk immediately before Eric Thames and Hernan Perez scored as shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera dropped what should have been the third out, a popup by Jett Bandy. Collins said Cabrera had a hard time finding the ball in a foggy mist that had settled over Citi Field.
"Once we tied it, you think you've got a shot for sure," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said.
The teams traded zeros until the 12th, when T.J. Rivera led off with a pinch-hit single off Wily Peralta (5-4). Michael Conforto drew a walk and was forced at second on Jose Reyes' grounder to first as Rivera moved to third.
Bruce followed by singling on a 2-0 pitch and was engulfed by teammates in between first and second base.
"One of the things you do is when a guy makes an error behind you, you pick him up," Collins said. "It's part of the game and that was a big win for us tonight."
Cabrera had an RBI double in the fifth, when Reyes drew a two-out bases-loaded walk for the Mets (23-27), who have won three straight and four of five.
Travis Shaw had an RBI double in the first for the Brewers (27-25), who stranded 13 runners on base -- including five over the final innings -- in losing for the seventh time in nine games. Orlando Arcia had three hits while Thames, Perez and Shaw each had two hits.
"We got a break, and then we just couldn't cash in on another opportunity at the end there," Counsell said.
Brewers right-hander Zach Davies allowed two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out one over five innings.
NOTES: A pair of Mets recorded milestone hits in the sixth inning, when 2B Neil Walker notched his 1,000th career hit and RHP Fernando Salas, who turned 32 on Tuesday, singled for his first career hit. ... Brewers SS Orlando Arcia extended his hitting streak to a career-high 10 games. ... Milwaukee 1B Eric Thames snapped an 0-for-19 skid with a first-inning single.
Jay Bruce capped a marathon by delivering a one-out RBI single in the 12th inning as the Mets edged the Milwaukee Brewers 5-4 at Citi Field.
Bruce's hit -- his first in six at-bats -- made a winner of left-hander Josh Smoker (1-2), who struck out four while throwing three innings for only the second time in 38 major league games.
Smoker entered Tuesday with an 8.00 ERA this season and had produced a scoreless outing in only three of his previous 10 appearances. That stretch was interrupted by a brief demotion to Triple-A Las Vegas in which Smoker worked as a starter in order to better develop his off-speed pitches.
On Tuesday, Smoker might have vaulted himself into consideration for a late-inning role in a beleaguered bullpen (the Mets' relievers entered Tuesday with a 4.85 ERA, the seventh-worst mark in the majors). He wriggled out of a two-on, one-out jam in the 10th, when he struck out the side, before throwing a perfect 11th and a one-hit 12th.
"I think it was really good for me, I think I needed that," said Smoker, who was wearing the crown and boxing robe awarded to the Mets' player of the game following victories. "I've been struggling a little bit of late, so I think as far as getting out there and getting that three innings in, I think it was huge for my confidence and definitely gave me some momentum going forward from here on out."
Smoker's scoreless relief work and Bruce's game-winning hit also ensured the first start of right-hander Tyler Pill's major league career would be noticed. Pill, the third pitcher the Mets have tried in place of injured ace Noah Syndergaard, exited in line for the win after allowing one run on six hits and three walks while striking out four over 5 1/3 innings.
"He lived up to exactly what I heard about," Mets manager Terry Collins said of Pill, who earned the promotion by recording a 1.96 ERA in nine starts between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Las Vegas despite throwing a fastball that rarely exceeds 90 mph. "He doesn't give in. He doesn't beat himself."
The previous pitchers to fill Syndergaard's spot, left-hander Tommy Milone and right-hander Rafael Montero, combined to post a 10.61 ERA in five starts in May, which could explain why a dampened crowd of 24,457 gave Pill a warm ovation as he walked off the mound.
"That's a great feeling," said Pill, who turned 27 on Monday. "It's awesome how many people were behind you when you're playing and how much they're rooting for you and cheering for you."
The Mets led 2-1 when Pill left and expanded the lead in the sixth, when Lucas Duda hit a two-run homer.
The Brewers tied the game in the seventh. Domingo Santana drew a bases-loaded walk immediately before Eric Thames and Hernan Perez scored as shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera dropped what should have been the third out, a popup by Jett Bandy. Collins said Cabrera had a hard time finding the ball in a foggy mist that had settled over Citi Field.
"Once we tied it, you think you've got a shot for sure," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said.
The teams traded zeros until the 12th, when T.J. Rivera led off with a pinch-hit single off Wily Peralta (5-4). Michael Conforto drew a walk and was forced at second on Jose Reyes' grounder to first as Rivera moved to third.
Bruce followed by singling on a 2-0 pitch and was engulfed by teammates in between first and second base.
"One of the things you do is when a guy makes an error behind you, you pick him up," Collins said. "It's part of the game and that was a big win for us tonight."
Cabrera had an RBI double in the fifth, when Reyes drew a two-out bases-loaded walk for the Mets (23-27), who have won three straight and four of five.
Travis Shaw had an RBI double in the first for the Brewers (27-25), who stranded 13 runners on base -- including five over the final innings -- in losing for the seventh time in nine games. Orlando Arcia had three hits while Thames, Perez and Shaw each had two hits.
"We got a break, and then we just couldn't cash in on another opportunity at the end there," Counsell said.
Brewers right-hander Zach Davies allowed two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out one over five innings.
NOTES: A pair of Mets recorded milestone hits in the sixth inning, when 2B Neil Walker notched his 1,000th career hit and RHP Fernando Salas, who turned 32 on Tuesday, singled for his first career hit. ... Brewers SS Orlando Arcia extended his hitting streak to a career-high 10 games. ... Milwaukee 1B Eric Thames snapped an 0-for-19 skid with a first-inning single.
Severino, Yanks shut down O's
(TSX / STATS) -- BALTIMORE -- New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi says he feels good each time Luis Severino takes the mound.
The 23-year-old right-hander justified that confidence once again.
Severino had another dominant outing, Brett Gardner and Matt Holliday each hit a pair of solo homers and the Yankees beat the Baltimore Orioles 8-3 on Tuesday night.
"It's never an easy game when we play them," Girardi said about Baltimore. "They're a very good team and they're very explosive. You never really feel it's safe."
The Yankees can hand Baltimore just its second series loss at Camden Yards this season in the finale Wednesday. The Orioles have been hampered by their starting pitching and lost eight of their past nine games.
Severino (4-2) allowed one run on seven hits with eight strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings. He has given up three or fewer runs in each of his past five starts and has been a key for New York's resurgence.
Gardner set the tone for the Yankees when he hammered Chris Tillman's third pitch of the game over the right-field fence. It was his eighth career leadoff homer. Two batters later, Holliday hit another solo shot and Baltimore never recovered.
Gardner and Holliday have 11 home runs apiece on the season.
"When you have a guy up and down the lineup that can hit homers, it puts a lot of pressure on the other team," Holliday said. "Having a guy that can start the game with a home run is a nice weapon."
Aaron Hicks boosted the lead to 3-0 with an RBI single in the second, and Holliday added another run with his second homer an inning later.
Chase Headley gave New York a 5-0 lead with an RBI single in the third that chased Tillman (1-2), who has pitched past the fifth inning just once in five starts.
"They came out hacking and you were falling behind," Tillman said. "You're not putting yourself in good position to get the results you're looking for."
New York continued to pound Baltimore's pitchers, and Gardner got his second home run off Logan Verrett in the fourth. Later that inning, rookie Aaron Judge, who leads the team with 37 RBIs, increased the lead to 8-0 with a two-run double.
Trey Mancini managed three hits and gave the Orioles their first run with an infield single in the sixth. Joey Rickard and J.J. Hardy each had an RBI single in the eighth off Bryan Mitchell.
"Most of these games have been very close," Mancini said. "Sometimes, I think the pitching and hitting haven't matched up. A lot of the times maybe when the pitchers are doing well, the (hitters) are slacking a little bit and maybe vice-versa, but that's baseball, and that's going to happen a lot in the course of the season."
NOTES: Baltimore RHP Alec Asher (1-3) will start Friday against the Red Sox despite struggling in his previous outing. He allowed six runs on six hits over just two innings Sunday against the Astros. The Orioles will keep RHP Ubaldo Jimenez in the bullpen. ... Yankees CF Jacoby Ellsbury (concussion, sprained neck) was expected to do some running Tuesday and then possibly hit in the cage, manager Joe Girardi said. ... Orioles CF Adam Jones, who has been dealing with soreness in his left ankle and hip, missed his fourth straight game. An Orioles spokesman said Jones was held out because of the wet field conditions.
The 23-year-old right-hander justified that confidence once again.
Severino had another dominant outing, Brett Gardner and Matt Holliday each hit a pair of solo homers and the Yankees beat the Baltimore Orioles 8-3 on Tuesday night.
"It's never an easy game when we play them," Girardi said about Baltimore. "They're a very good team and they're very explosive. You never really feel it's safe."
The Yankees can hand Baltimore just its second series loss at Camden Yards this season in the finale Wednesday. The Orioles have been hampered by their starting pitching and lost eight of their past nine games.
Severino (4-2) allowed one run on seven hits with eight strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings. He has given up three or fewer runs in each of his past five starts and has been a key for New York's resurgence.
Gardner set the tone for the Yankees when he hammered Chris Tillman's third pitch of the game over the right-field fence. It was his eighth career leadoff homer. Two batters later, Holliday hit another solo shot and Baltimore never recovered.
Gardner and Holliday have 11 home runs apiece on the season.
"When you have a guy up and down the lineup that can hit homers, it puts a lot of pressure on the other team," Holliday said. "Having a guy that can start the game with a home run is a nice weapon."
Aaron Hicks boosted the lead to 3-0 with an RBI single in the second, and Holliday added another run with his second homer an inning later.
Chase Headley gave New York a 5-0 lead with an RBI single in the third that chased Tillman (1-2), who has pitched past the fifth inning just once in five starts.
"They came out hacking and you were falling behind," Tillman said. "You're not putting yourself in good position to get the results you're looking for."
New York continued to pound Baltimore's pitchers, and Gardner got his second home run off Logan Verrett in the fourth. Later that inning, rookie Aaron Judge, who leads the team with 37 RBIs, increased the lead to 8-0 with a two-run double.
Trey Mancini managed three hits and gave the Orioles their first run with an infield single in the sixth. Joey Rickard and J.J. Hardy each had an RBI single in the eighth off Bryan Mitchell.
"Most of these games have been very close," Mancini said. "Sometimes, I think the pitching and hitting haven't matched up. A lot of the times maybe when the pitchers are doing well, the (hitters) are slacking a little bit and maybe vice-versa, but that's baseball, and that's going to happen a lot in the course of the season."
NOTES: Baltimore RHP Alec Asher (1-3) will start Friday against the Red Sox despite struggling in his previous outing. He allowed six runs on six hits over just two innings Sunday against the Astros. The Orioles will keep RHP Ubaldo Jimenez in the bullpen. ... Yankees CF Jacoby Ellsbury (concussion, sprained neck) was expected to do some running Tuesday and then possibly hit in the cage, manager Joe Girardi said. ... Orioles CF Adam Jones, who has been dealing with soreness in his left ankle and hip, missed his fourth straight game. An Orioles spokesman said Jones was held out because of the wet field conditions.
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Gsellman goes seven innings as Mets beat Brewers
(TSX / STATS) -- NEW YORK -- If all goes according to plan, Robert Gsellman eventually will lengthen the New York Mets' bullpen. On Monday afternoon, he helped spare the overworked relief corps.
Gsellman enjoyed his best game of the season both on the mound and at the plate, posting a victory by tossing seven strong innings and chipping in with two RBIs as the Mets beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2 at Citi Field.
Gsellman (3-3) allowed two runs (one earned), three hits and two walks while striking out five. His outing marked just the 10th time this season a Mets starter threw at least seven innings.
The inability of starters to work deep into games has taxed the New York bullpen, which entered Monday with the fifth-highest ERA (4.90) in baseball.
"Certainly he rose up and got us where we needed to get to," Mets manager Terry Collins said.
He also likely moved one step closer to taking up permanent residence in the bullpen. Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said before the game that injured pitchers Seth Lugo and Steven Matz will each make one more rehab start before they are ready to return to the major league rotation.
Assuming those starts go off without a hitch -- no sure thing considering the Mets' general bad luck with injuries and the fact both Lugo and Matz are rehabbing elbow injuries -- they would be ready to replace Gsellman and current fifth starter Tyler Pill during a road trip that begins June 6.
"It's still pitching," Gsellman said of a possible relocation to the bullpen. "I enjoy pitching so much that I really don't care."
His effort Monday provided more evidence to Collins and the Mets that Gsellman can help out in either capacity. Gsellman looked like a potential bridge reliever for a beleaguered bullpen earlier this month, when his turn was skipped and he allowed one run in three innings during two relief outings.
But even if Lugo and Matz return and remain healthy, Gsellman likely will be needed in the rotation at some point down the stretch, especially with Zack Wheeler on pace to throw 162 innings after missing the previous two seasons because of Tommy John surgery.
"I know what Sandy said today about the possibility of him going to the bullpen, and that's going to be the case when we get those other guys back," Collins said. "We go down the road, you never know where Zach's going to be, innings-wise. And you look way down the road, this kid's going to be a quality starter in this league, in my opinion."
Gsellman (3-3) and losing pitcher Matt Garza (2-2) matched zeros until the fifth. The Brewers scored an unearned run thanks to shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera's misplay of a leadoff grounder by Jonathan Villar, who advanced around the bases on a single by Orlando Arcia and a bunt by Garza before scoring on a groundout by Keon Broxton.
The Mets immediately responded with three runs in the bottom of the fifth. Cabrera and Wilmer Flores led off with singles before Rene Rivera doubled home Cabrera. Gsellman's sacrifice fly to right scored Flores with the go-ahead run, and Rivera raced home on Michael Conforto's double.
"Come back with three runs, it was huge for (Gsellman) and for us," Rivera said.
Domingo Santana pulled the Brewers within 3-2 with a homer in the top of the sixth, but the Mets answered again in their half of the inning. New York loaded the bases against Garza and Rob Scahill before Gsellman worked a bases-loaded walk. Gsellman entered Monday with just one RBI in 21 career games.
"Too bad I didn't get a hit, but still got a couple RBIs and helped out the team, finally, in the box," said a grinning Gsellman, who couldn't swing as a rookie last season because of a left shoulder injury.
Paul Sewald threw a perfect eighth inning and Addison Reed posted his seventh save despite allowing two hits in a scoreless ninth for the Mets (22-27), who have won two straight and three of four.
Santana was the only player with two hits for the Brewers (27-24), who have lost six of eight.
"We had three hits going into the ninth inning, so there was not much happening today," manager Craig Counsell said of the Brewers, who entered Monday with the fourth-most runs in the National League.
Garza allowed four runs, seven hits and two walks while striking out four in 5 2/3 innings.
"Gsellman threw a hell of a game," Garza said. "I had that fifth inning where they kept finding holes, a couple of balls that they hit well -- not like screaming liners, just enough to get over the infield -- and (they) piece a couple more together and that's a big inning."
NOTES: The Mets improved to 26-30 on Memorial Day, and the Brewers fell to 14-30. ... Mets rookie RHP Tyler Pill will make his first major league start Tuesday night against Milwaukee RHP Zach Davies. ... Brewers LF Eric Thames returned to the lineup but went 0-for-3 with a walk. He is 0-for-15 dating to Friday.
Gsellman enjoyed his best game of the season both on the mound and at the plate, posting a victory by tossing seven strong innings and chipping in with two RBIs as the Mets beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2 at Citi Field.
Gsellman (3-3) allowed two runs (one earned), three hits and two walks while striking out five. His outing marked just the 10th time this season a Mets starter threw at least seven innings.
The inability of starters to work deep into games has taxed the New York bullpen, which entered Monday with the fifth-highest ERA (4.90) in baseball.
"Certainly he rose up and got us where we needed to get to," Mets manager Terry Collins said.
He also likely moved one step closer to taking up permanent residence in the bullpen. Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said before the game that injured pitchers Seth Lugo and Steven Matz will each make one more rehab start before they are ready to return to the major league rotation.
Assuming those starts go off without a hitch -- no sure thing considering the Mets' general bad luck with injuries and the fact both Lugo and Matz are rehabbing elbow injuries -- they would be ready to replace Gsellman and current fifth starter Tyler Pill during a road trip that begins June 6.
"It's still pitching," Gsellman said of a possible relocation to the bullpen. "I enjoy pitching so much that I really don't care."
His effort Monday provided more evidence to Collins and the Mets that Gsellman can help out in either capacity. Gsellman looked like a potential bridge reliever for a beleaguered bullpen earlier this month, when his turn was skipped and he allowed one run in three innings during two relief outings.
But even if Lugo and Matz return and remain healthy, Gsellman likely will be needed in the rotation at some point down the stretch, especially with Zack Wheeler on pace to throw 162 innings after missing the previous two seasons because of Tommy John surgery.
"I know what Sandy said today about the possibility of him going to the bullpen, and that's going to be the case when we get those other guys back," Collins said. "We go down the road, you never know where Zach's going to be, innings-wise. And you look way down the road, this kid's going to be a quality starter in this league, in my opinion."
Gsellman (3-3) and losing pitcher Matt Garza (2-2) matched zeros until the fifth. The Brewers scored an unearned run thanks to shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera's misplay of a leadoff grounder by Jonathan Villar, who advanced around the bases on a single by Orlando Arcia and a bunt by Garza before scoring on a groundout by Keon Broxton.
The Mets immediately responded with three runs in the bottom of the fifth. Cabrera and Wilmer Flores led off with singles before Rene Rivera doubled home Cabrera. Gsellman's sacrifice fly to right scored Flores with the go-ahead run, and Rivera raced home on Michael Conforto's double.
"Come back with three runs, it was huge for (Gsellman) and for us," Rivera said.
Domingo Santana pulled the Brewers within 3-2 with a homer in the top of the sixth, but the Mets answered again in their half of the inning. New York loaded the bases against Garza and Rob Scahill before Gsellman worked a bases-loaded walk. Gsellman entered Monday with just one RBI in 21 career games.
"Too bad I didn't get a hit, but still got a couple RBIs and helped out the team, finally, in the box," said a grinning Gsellman, who couldn't swing as a rookie last season because of a left shoulder injury.
Paul Sewald threw a perfect eighth inning and Addison Reed posted his seventh save despite allowing two hits in a scoreless ninth for the Mets (22-27), who have won two straight and three of four.
Santana was the only player with two hits for the Brewers (27-24), who have lost six of eight.
"We had three hits going into the ninth inning, so there was not much happening today," manager Craig Counsell said of the Brewers, who entered Monday with the fourth-most runs in the National League.
Garza allowed four runs, seven hits and two walks while striking out four in 5 2/3 innings.
"Gsellman threw a hell of a game," Garza said. "I had that fifth inning where they kept finding holes, a couple of balls that they hit well -- not like screaming liners, just enough to get over the infield -- and (they) piece a couple more together and that's a big inning."
NOTES: The Mets improved to 26-30 on Memorial Day, and the Brewers fell to 14-30. ... Mets rookie RHP Tyler Pill will make his first major league start Tuesday night against Milwaukee RHP Zach Davies. ... Brewers LF Eric Thames returned to the lineup but went 0-for-3 with a walk. He is 0-for-15 dating to Friday.
Bundy helps Orioles snap 7-game losing streak
(TSX / STATS) --
BALTIMORE -- The Baltimore Orioles desperately needed a win and their
most reliable starter delivered another exceptional performance.
Dylan Bundy allowed two runs over seven innings, Jonathan Schoop had a pair of RBIs and the Orioles snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 3-2 victory over the New York Yankees on Monday.
Baltimore ended its longest skid since losing nine straight in July 2011. The Orioles won for only the fourth time in 17 games since May 9.
"It's a challenge every day, staying strong mentally through the challenges that every season presents, good and bad," Baltimore manager Buck Showalter said. "It's one of those things, I talk to them all the time that (players should) separate you from some people that don't have the skills to do this. Everybody is skilled at this level."
Bundy (6-3) kept the Yankees in check, scattering seven hits with three strikeouts and a walk. Mark Trumbo also had a pair of hits and one RBI for Baltimore in the first.
"I mean, I just go out there and try to pitch my game and stick to my strengths and compete," Bundy said. "And just keep the team in the game and we were able to do that today."
Monday began a stretch of 13 consecutive games against American League East opponents for the first-place Yankees. Baltimore now leads the season series 4-3 and maintains the best home record in the American League (16-7).
Aaron Judge pulled the Yankees within 3-2 in the seventh on a solo shot to center field off Bundy's 95 mph fastball that traveled an estimated 429 feet. Five of Judge's league-leading 17 home runs have come against Baltimore, including two April 28 in New York when the Orioles blew a 9-1 lead.
"It's just a line drive," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said about the homer. "I mean that's how far his line drives go. They're different than a lot of people's line drives. He has a ton of power, that's for sure.
But that was as close as New York would come.
Darren O'Day pitched a perfect eighth for the Orioles. Brad Brach, who is filling in for the injured Zach Britton, entered and picked up his 10th save by striking out Judge and Didi Gregorius for the final two outs.
The Yankees, who started the season 1-4, lost for just the third time in eight games and the third time in four games in Baltimore this season.
The Orioles took a 1-0 lead on a two-out RBI single to left field by Trumbo in the first off Yankees rookie left-hander Jordan Montgomery. New York tied the game an inning later on a sacrifice fly Aaron Hicks.
A fielding error by second baseman Starlin Castro on a ground ball by Trumbo proved costly in the third. Schoop took advantage of the extra out with a two-run double down the right field line that gave Baltimore a 3-1 lead.
"It's not a hard ball for me because I always make that play," Castro said. "I just tried to attack it and it (didn't) happen in the right way. That's a play I should make."
Montgomery got into another jam in the fifth when he allowed back-to-back singles, which ended his day. Jonathan Holder entered and ended the threat by striking out Trey Mancini and Schoop.
Montgomery (2-4) allowed three runs (one earned) on eight hits with five strikeouts and just one walk.
"I made the adjustment in later innings and started getting some quick outs," Montgomery said. "Just staying back. Not letting the game get too quick and slowing everything down."
NOTES: Yankees 1B Greg Bird (bruised right ankle) took live batting practice Monday in Tampa Bay. He is expected to start rehab games later this week. Bird was placed on the disabled list May 2. ... Orioles CF Adam Jones was held out of the lineup for the third consecutive game with soreness in his left ankle and hip. He was in Baltimore's initial starting lineup before being scratched. ... Yankees LHP Aroldis Chapman (left rotator cuff inflammation) played catch prior to the series opener Monday in Baltimore. He won't throw Tuesday so he can be evaluated the following day.
Dylan Bundy allowed two runs over seven innings, Jonathan Schoop had a pair of RBIs and the Orioles snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 3-2 victory over the New York Yankees on Monday.
Baltimore ended its longest skid since losing nine straight in July 2011. The Orioles won for only the fourth time in 17 games since May 9.
"It's a challenge every day, staying strong mentally through the challenges that every season presents, good and bad," Baltimore manager Buck Showalter said. "It's one of those things, I talk to them all the time that (players should) separate you from some people that don't have the skills to do this. Everybody is skilled at this level."
Bundy (6-3) kept the Yankees in check, scattering seven hits with three strikeouts and a walk. Mark Trumbo also had a pair of hits and one RBI for Baltimore in the first.
"I mean, I just go out there and try to pitch my game and stick to my strengths and compete," Bundy said. "And just keep the team in the game and we were able to do that today."
Monday began a stretch of 13 consecutive games against American League East opponents for the first-place Yankees. Baltimore now leads the season series 4-3 and maintains the best home record in the American League (16-7).
Aaron Judge pulled the Yankees within 3-2 in the seventh on a solo shot to center field off Bundy's 95 mph fastball that traveled an estimated 429 feet. Five of Judge's league-leading 17 home runs have come against Baltimore, including two April 28 in New York when the Orioles blew a 9-1 lead.
"It's just a line drive," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said about the homer. "I mean that's how far his line drives go. They're different than a lot of people's line drives. He has a ton of power, that's for sure.
But that was as close as New York would come.
Darren O'Day pitched a perfect eighth for the Orioles. Brad Brach, who is filling in for the injured Zach Britton, entered and picked up his 10th save by striking out Judge and Didi Gregorius for the final two outs.
The Yankees, who started the season 1-4, lost for just the third time in eight games and the third time in four games in Baltimore this season.
The Orioles took a 1-0 lead on a two-out RBI single to left field by Trumbo in the first off Yankees rookie left-hander Jordan Montgomery. New York tied the game an inning later on a sacrifice fly Aaron Hicks.
A fielding error by second baseman Starlin Castro on a ground ball by Trumbo proved costly in the third. Schoop took advantage of the extra out with a two-run double down the right field line that gave Baltimore a 3-1 lead.
"It's not a hard ball for me because I always make that play," Castro said. "I just tried to attack it and it (didn't) happen in the right way. That's a play I should make."
Montgomery got into another jam in the fifth when he allowed back-to-back singles, which ended his day. Jonathan Holder entered and ended the threat by striking out Trey Mancini and Schoop.
Montgomery (2-4) allowed three runs (one earned) on eight hits with five strikeouts and just one walk.
"I made the adjustment in later innings and started getting some quick outs," Montgomery said. "Just staying back. Not letting the game get too quick and slowing everything down."
NOTES: Yankees 1B Greg Bird (bruised right ankle) took live batting practice Monday in Tampa Bay. He is expected to start rehab games later this week. Bird was placed on the disabled list May 2. ... Orioles CF Adam Jones was held out of the lineup for the third consecutive game with soreness in his left ankle and hip. He was in Baltimore's initial starting lineup before being scratched. ... Yankees LHP Aroldis Chapman (left rotator cuff inflammation) played catch prior to the series opener Monday in Baltimore. He won't throw Tuesday so he can be evaluated the following day.
All LIRR lines delayed due to power outage at Penn Station
“Please plan for potential delays and cancellations during the morning rush due to a third rail power problem in one of the East River Tunnels. Some trains diverted to Hunterspoint Ave or Atlantic Terminal. Please allow extra travel time,” the MTA website stated around 8 a.m.
Two commuter trains were temporarily halted in the tunnel because of the outage, according to Amtrak officials.
One train resumed by 8:40 a.m.
NYC Transit is honoring LIRR tickets as follows:
- 1, 2, 3, A, C and E trains at 34 St-Penn Station
- 7 trains at Hunterspoint Ave, Woodside 61st St and Mets-Willets Point
- E, J and Z trains at Jamaica Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av
- E, F, M and R trains at Forest Hills 71st Av
- E and F trains at Kew Gardens Union Tpke
Monday, May 29, 2017
Bruce powers Mets past Pirates
(TSX / STATS) -- PITTSBURGH -- New York Mets manager Terry Collins decided to give Michael Conforto the night off Sunday after the young slugger started the series against the Pittsburgh Pirates 1-for-9.
Jay Bruce stepped up and took advantage, breaking a tie with Conforto for the team lead in RBIs by driving in two as New York rolled to a 7-2 series-clinching victory at PNC Park.
Bruce finished the night 3-for-5 with two doubles and a run. He now has 34 RBIs on the season, pulling into a tie for the 10th in the National League.
Collins said the decision was more about a rest day for Conforto, who had played 44 of the Mets' first 47 games, than it was about his recent performance.
"I wanted him to play tomorrow at home, so we had a choice of either tonight or tomorrow," Collins said.
Bruce's breakout was part of a big turnaround for the New York offense. On Saturday, the Mets left five runners in scoring position in the first four innings, instead relying on the long ball as they staked an early 4-2 lead. However, they couldn't hold on to it late and lost 5-4 in 10 innings.
On Sunday, the Mets didn't provide as much power, but they pushed two runners across in the fourth inning and three in the fifth to build another sizable early lead. Nine different Mets had hits on the way to the rout, with Curtis Granderson going 3-for-5.
In the fourth, Bruce and Neil Walker singled. Both advanced on a wild pitch to get into scoring position for Asdrubal Cabrera, who drove them in with a double to the wall in center field.
In the fifth, pitcher Matt Harvey got it started with a single back through the legs of his mound opponent Tyler Glasnow. Granderson drove him in with a double. A single and a stolen base by Jose Reyes put two men in scoring position for Bruce, who brought them in with a liner to right over a drawn-in infield.
Harvey (4-3) won back-to-back starts for the second time this season and the first time since April 6 and 11 -- his first two starts of the season. He pitched six innings, which was his longest outing since April 21, and scattered six hits while giving up just one run. He struck out four and issued two walks.
"It's a good feeling when you can reach back and get that strikeout when you need it," Harvey said. "That hasn't been the case very often this year."
The first five New York runs came off Glasnow (2-4), who gave up only one hit through the first three innings, but it was all downhill after that. He ended up allowing eight hits in five innings. He struck out three and didn't walk a batter.
"I kind of just lost the feel for things," Glasnow said. "The curveball flattened out. The changeup flattened out. I lost the angle on my fastball. ... It's good to know that when I have my stuff, it's hard to hit. It's a little frustrating knowing that from one inning to the next, it can turn like that."
The Mets added two runs off reliever Jhan Marinez. Granderson drove in Cabrera with an RBI single in the sixth, and Lucas Duda hit a solo home run in the seventh.
Both Pirates runs were scored by Gregory Polanco. He hit a solo home run in the second and singled and scored on David Freese's RBI double in the eighth. Polanco finished 2-for-4. Since returning from the disabled list on May 26, he is 5-for-13 (.385) with two home runs.
Paul Sewald and Neil Ramirez combined to throw three innings of one-run ball in relief of Harvey.
NOTES: Pirates RHP Jameson Taillon threw 47 pitches in a three-inning rehab start for Double-A Altoona. It was his first appearance since recovering from surgery to treat testicular cancer on May 8. Taillon is expected to rejoin the team in Pittsburgh and throw a bullpen session on Tuesday. He will make at least one more rehab start before rejoining the rotation. ... Mets LHP Stephen Matz (sprained flexor tendon) threw five perfect innings in a rehab start for Triple-A Las Vegas. ... Mets OF Yoenis Cespedes (strained left hamstring) had his second rehab start indefinitely postponed after coming up with soreness in his quad in his first game back with Class A St. Lucie on Friday. ... Mets RHP Seth Lugo made his third rehab start on the way back from a partial tear of his ulnar collateral ligament. He threw six innings for Double-A Binghamton, allowing three runs on eight hits with seven strikeouts.
Jay Bruce stepped up and took advantage, breaking a tie with Conforto for the team lead in RBIs by driving in two as New York rolled to a 7-2 series-clinching victory at PNC Park.
Bruce finished the night 3-for-5 with two doubles and a run. He now has 34 RBIs on the season, pulling into a tie for the 10th in the National League.
Collins said the decision was more about a rest day for Conforto, who had played 44 of the Mets' first 47 games, than it was about his recent performance.
"I wanted him to play tomorrow at home, so we had a choice of either tonight or tomorrow," Collins said.
Bruce's breakout was part of a big turnaround for the New York offense. On Saturday, the Mets left five runners in scoring position in the first four innings, instead relying on the long ball as they staked an early 4-2 lead. However, they couldn't hold on to it late and lost 5-4 in 10 innings.
On Sunday, the Mets didn't provide as much power, but they pushed two runners across in the fourth inning and three in the fifth to build another sizable early lead. Nine different Mets had hits on the way to the rout, with Curtis Granderson going 3-for-5.
In the fourth, Bruce and Neil Walker singled. Both advanced on a wild pitch to get into scoring position for Asdrubal Cabrera, who drove them in with a double to the wall in center field.
In the fifth, pitcher Matt Harvey got it started with a single back through the legs of his mound opponent Tyler Glasnow. Granderson drove him in with a double. A single and a stolen base by Jose Reyes put two men in scoring position for Bruce, who brought them in with a liner to right over a drawn-in infield.
Harvey (4-3) won back-to-back starts for the second time this season and the first time since April 6 and 11 -- his first two starts of the season. He pitched six innings, which was his longest outing since April 21, and scattered six hits while giving up just one run. He struck out four and issued two walks.
"It's a good feeling when you can reach back and get that strikeout when you need it," Harvey said. "That hasn't been the case very often this year."
The first five New York runs came off Glasnow (2-4), who gave up only one hit through the first three innings, but it was all downhill after that. He ended up allowing eight hits in five innings. He struck out three and didn't walk a batter.
"I kind of just lost the feel for things," Glasnow said. "The curveball flattened out. The changeup flattened out. I lost the angle on my fastball. ... It's good to know that when I have my stuff, it's hard to hit. It's a little frustrating knowing that from one inning to the next, it can turn like that."
The Mets added two runs off reliever Jhan Marinez. Granderson drove in Cabrera with an RBI single in the sixth, and Lucas Duda hit a solo home run in the seventh.
Both Pirates runs were scored by Gregory Polanco. He hit a solo home run in the second and singled and scored on David Freese's RBI double in the eighth. Polanco finished 2-for-4. Since returning from the disabled list on May 26, he is 5-for-13 (.385) with two home runs.
Paul Sewald and Neil Ramirez combined to throw three innings of one-run ball in relief of Harvey.
NOTES: Pirates RHP Jameson Taillon threw 47 pitches in a three-inning rehab start for Double-A Altoona. It was his first appearance since recovering from surgery to treat testicular cancer on May 8. Taillon is expected to rejoin the team in Pittsburgh and throw a bullpen session on Tuesday. He will make at least one more rehab start before rejoining the rotation. ... Mets LHP Stephen Matz (sprained flexor tendon) threw five perfect innings in a rehab start for Triple-A Las Vegas. ... Mets OF Yoenis Cespedes (strained left hamstring) had his second rehab start indefinitely postponed after coming up with soreness in his quad in his first game back with Class A St. Lucie on Friday. ... Mets RHP Seth Lugo made his third rehab start on the way back from a partial tear of his ulnar collateral ligament. He threw six innings for Double-A Binghamton, allowing three runs on eight hits with seven strikeouts.
Judge hits first career grand slam as Yankees beat A's
(TSX / STATS) -- NEW YORK -- Aaron Judge is aware of the "MVP" chants and knows all about the 18 fans wearing robes with his No. 99 on the back and banging gavels in the "Judge's Chambers well" in right field.
The hulking right-fielder's response to those things is to merely continue doing the things that prompted chants and a special seating section two months into his first full season.
Such as when he slugged his first career grand slam with two outs in the bottom of the third inning to lift the New York Yankees to a 9-5 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Sunday.
"I try not to listen to them," Judge said in his attempt to downplay the fan reaction. "I got a job to do."
The Yankees are 13-1 when the 6-foot-7 Judge "does his job" by homering. His 16th home run was his first since last Sunday in Tampa Bay and first since the Yankees added the section near the bleachers behind the right-field seats before Monday's game.
"I try to think about it," Judge said. "It's in my face but I got a job to do and that's all I'm worried about right now."
Manager Joe Girardi is impress with the fan reaction.
"I think it's great," Girardi said. "The kid's playing well. He has a lot of support. It just means that our right fielder is playing really well, so that's a good thing."
Judge's latest homer came on a 2-1 fastball off Andrew Triggs (5-4) and gave the Yankees a 5-2 lead. The ball traveled an estimated 378 feet over the center-field fence and one of his shorter homers landed a few sections to the left of the "Judge's Chambers".
Judge tied a career high with four RBIs and drove in more than one run for the first time since May 3 against Toronto. He said he was "rolling over pitches" in the last two weeks but his average has not dipped under .300 since April 28 and when Sunday ended, Judge held a .321 average while leading the Yankees with 34 RBIs and 37 runs this season.
"I think he's a defensive end playing baseball is what I see," Girardi said. "He's the size of an NFL defensive end."
Judge's latest blast helped the Yankees win for the fifth time in seven games heading into 13 straight games against divisional opponents. It also occurred after Oakland right fielder Matt Joyce dropped a fly ball by Matt Holliday and, after Starlin Castro struck out with the bases loaded.
"That doesn't even enter my mindset, I got to make better pitches," Triggs said. "I mean my fastball command early on was pretty atrocious. I mean it's obviously accentuated with that home run to Judge but I was missing quite a bit early on with my fastball."
The home run also allowed Michael Pineda (6-2) to settle down after allowing a two-run single to Ryon Healy in the second. Healy was thrown out trying to stretch the hit into a double, Pineda retired the next nine hitters and his only other miscue was a two-base throwing error that allowed Jed Lowrie to score in the sixth.
By then the Yankees held a 6-3 lead as Aaron Hicks and Chris Carter sandwiched sacrifice flies around Judge's home run. Gary Sanchez added an RBI double when left fielder Khris Davis made a diving play but the ball fell out of his glove in the seventh.
Davis hit his 15th home run to make it 7-5 with one out in the eighth but Brett Gardner hit a bloop two-run double to give the Yankees insurance.
Pineda allowed three runs (two earned) and three hits in six innings. He won for the sixth time in seven decisions and matched his win total from last season.
Triggs (5-4) allowed six runs (one earned) and six hits in six innings.
"Maybe not his best performance that we've seen this year, but if we make plays, its probably a different story," said Oakland manager Bob Melvin, whose team has committed a major league-worst 49 errors and been charged with 35 unearned runs this season.
NOTES: Oakland RHP Kendall Graveman (right shoulder soreness) will be placed on the 10-day disabled list Monday, though this absence is expected to last longer than his first DL stint last month. ... Athletics RHP Daniel Mengden, who underwent foot surgery before the season, will start Monday in Cleveland. ... Yankees LHP Aroldis Chapman (right rotator cuff inflammation) continued his throwing program by making 50 throws from 60 feet. Chapman said after the game he will throw again Monday before taking Tuesday off from throwing.
The hulking right-fielder's response to those things is to merely continue doing the things that prompted chants and a special seating section two months into his first full season.
Such as when he slugged his first career grand slam with two outs in the bottom of the third inning to lift the New York Yankees to a 9-5 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Sunday.
"I try not to listen to them," Judge said in his attempt to downplay the fan reaction. "I got a job to do."
The Yankees are 13-1 when the 6-foot-7 Judge "does his job" by homering. His 16th home run was his first since last Sunday in Tampa Bay and first since the Yankees added the section near the bleachers behind the right-field seats before Monday's game.
"I try to think about it," Judge said. "It's in my face but I got a job to do and that's all I'm worried about right now."
Manager Joe Girardi is impress with the fan reaction.
"I think it's great," Girardi said. "The kid's playing well. He has a lot of support. It just means that our right fielder is playing really well, so that's a good thing."
Judge's latest homer came on a 2-1 fastball off Andrew Triggs (5-4) and gave the Yankees a 5-2 lead. The ball traveled an estimated 378 feet over the center-field fence and one of his shorter homers landed a few sections to the left of the "Judge's Chambers".
Judge tied a career high with four RBIs and drove in more than one run for the first time since May 3 against Toronto. He said he was "rolling over pitches" in the last two weeks but his average has not dipped under .300 since April 28 and when Sunday ended, Judge held a .321 average while leading the Yankees with 34 RBIs and 37 runs this season.
"I think he's a defensive end playing baseball is what I see," Girardi said. "He's the size of an NFL defensive end."
Judge's latest blast helped the Yankees win for the fifth time in seven games heading into 13 straight games against divisional opponents. It also occurred after Oakland right fielder Matt Joyce dropped a fly ball by Matt Holliday and, after Starlin Castro struck out with the bases loaded.
"That doesn't even enter my mindset, I got to make better pitches," Triggs said. "I mean my fastball command early on was pretty atrocious. I mean it's obviously accentuated with that home run to Judge but I was missing quite a bit early on with my fastball."
The home run also allowed Michael Pineda (6-2) to settle down after allowing a two-run single to Ryon Healy in the second. Healy was thrown out trying to stretch the hit into a double, Pineda retired the next nine hitters and his only other miscue was a two-base throwing error that allowed Jed Lowrie to score in the sixth.
By then the Yankees held a 6-3 lead as Aaron Hicks and Chris Carter sandwiched sacrifice flies around Judge's home run. Gary Sanchez added an RBI double when left fielder Khris Davis made a diving play but the ball fell out of his glove in the seventh.
Davis hit his 15th home run to make it 7-5 with one out in the eighth but Brett Gardner hit a bloop two-run double to give the Yankees insurance.
Pineda allowed three runs (two earned) and three hits in six innings. He won for the sixth time in seven decisions and matched his win total from last season.
Triggs (5-4) allowed six runs (one earned) and six hits in six innings.
"Maybe not his best performance that we've seen this year, but if we make plays, its probably a different story," said Oakland manager Bob Melvin, whose team has committed a major league-worst 49 errors and been charged with 35 unearned runs this season.
NOTES: Oakland RHP Kendall Graveman (right shoulder soreness) will be placed on the 10-day disabled list Monday, though this absence is expected to last longer than his first DL stint last month. ... Athletics RHP Daniel Mengden, who underwent foot surgery before the season, will start Monday in Cleveland. ... Yankees LHP Aroldis Chapman (right rotator cuff inflammation) continued his throwing program by making 50 throws from 60 feet. Chapman said after the game he will throw again Monday before taking Tuesday off from throwing.
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Holliday, Sabathia lead Yankees to 3-2 win
NEW YORK -- CC Sabathia continued the Yankees' run of strong starting pitching with a season-high nine strikeouts and Matt Holliday's homer broke up a no-hit bid in the sixth inning, leading the Yankees to a 3-2 victory over the Athletics on Saturday at Yankee Stadium.
Sabathia pitched 6 1/3 innings and only gave up two runs before Adam Warren, Tyler Clippard, and Dellin Betances (who closed out the game for the Yankees) relieved Sabathia after his exit.
"Throwing offspeed pitches for strikes was a little rough in that first inning, but I was able to settle in," Sabathia said. "I think [the key was] just getting ahead. We got ahead pretty early and I was able to put guys away. Early in the count, we threw some strikes, and that helped us out a lot."
Josh Phegley hit a solo home run off of Sabathia in the seventh inning.
Jharel Cotton gave up three runs for Oakland after starting his first game after his call-up from Triple-A Nashville before the game.
The two-tun homer was Holliday's ninth HR of the season.
GOT YA COVERED
Midway through the game, a pop fly to Chris Carter hit his glove and went into the air. It seemed like an error but Aaron Judge was there to get the out.
UP NEXT
Yankees: Right-hander Michael Pineda (5-2, 3.35) will start Sunday's series finale against the A's at 1:05 p.m. ET. Pineda has completed at least six innings in each of his last four starts, winning two straight -- both against the Royals. Last time out, he held Kansas City to two runs and six hits over 6 1/3 innings, walking one and striking out six.
A's: A's: The A's will have right-hander Andrew Triggs (5-3, 2.77) on the mound in Sunday's 10:05 a.m. PT finale against the Yankees. Triggs has allowed one earned run or fewer in six of his nine starts this season.
Friday, May 26, 2017
Padres' Lamet beats Mets in major league debut
(TSX / STATS) -- NEW YORK -- The San Diego Padres spent the first quarter of the season meeting the low expectations bestowed upon them. But for three days at Citi Field, the Padres' short- and long-term future looked a lot better than that of the New York Mets.
Dinelson Lamet earned the win by tossing five strong innings in his major league debut Thursday night as the rebuilding Padres earned their first series victory in almost a month by beating the reeling Mets 4-3.
"We're going to go forward with youth," Padres manager Andy Green said. "I think a lot of guys are settling into being in the big leagues."
Eleven of the 25 players on the Padres' active roster have two years or fewer of major league experience, and most of them played a key role for San Diego (18-31), which won the final two games of the series after falling 9-3 on Tuesday night.
Rookie outfielder Allen Cordoba, a Rule 5 draftee who never played above Class A prior to this season, had his second straight two-hit game Thursday. Another Rule 5 selection, catcher Luis Torrens, had his first career two-hit game Tuesday.
Rookie outfielder Hunter Renfroe had two hits Thursday after hitting the go-ahead homer in Wednesday's 6-5 victory.
Rookie left-hander Jose Torres recorded two outs in the sixth inning after tossing 1 1/3 innings on Wednesday. Second-year right-hander Ryan Buchter threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings Thursday after earning the win one day earlier.
"You're seeing young guy after young guy do something special, so that's what you want to start seeing at this time of year," Green said.
The most vital role Thursday was played by Lamet, who was promoted from Triple-A El Paso prior to the game. The 24-year-old, whose fastball was regularly clocked at 98 mph, allowed one run -- a Lucas Duda homer in the second -- on three hits and two walks while striking out eight, the most strikeouts by a Padres hurler in his major league debut since Bob Shirley whiffed 11 batters April 10, 1977.
Green was most impressed with the calm demeanor displayed by Lamet.
"Told him he was done, he took it in stride, there was like no deep breath relief of it," Green said. "Sometimes you tell a young guy they're done and you'll see them like let all the energy out. (Lamet was) like 'OK.' It's good to see a guy wired like that. Usually that type of wiring plays really well in the big leagues. And that type of stuff has a chance."
Two of the Padres' "older" players -- 26-year-old third baseman Cory Spangenberg and 27-year-old outfielder Matt Szczur -- had two RBIs apiece Thursday. Spangenberg opened and closed the scoring with an RBI single in the first inning and a run-scoring double in the ninth while Szczur drew a bases-loaded walk in the first and hit an RBI single in the third.
Torres, Buchter, Kevin Quackenbush, Brandon Maurer and Brad Hand -- the same five relievers Green used Wednesday -- combined to limit the Mets to one run over the final four innings as San Diego won a series for the first time since taking two of three from the San Francisco Giants on April 28-30.
Hand earned his second save of the season and his second in as many nights despite allowing a run in the ninth. He closed the game out by retiring the potential winning run, Jay Bruce, on a pop-out to third.
Duda added an RBI single in the eighth for the Mets (19-26), who were expected to contend for the National League East crown but have lost 10 of 13 to fall 8 1/2 games behind the Washington Nationals.
Jose Reyes added two hits and had a run-scoring fielder's choice grounder in the ninth for the Mets, who left nine men on base. On Wednesday, New York stranded 12, including three in the ninth.
"We had a number of guys on base," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "Similar to last night in the ninth inning, we just didn't get a hit."
Right-hander Rafael Montero (0-4) struggled in an emergency start and took the loss after giving up three runs on five hits and three walks while striking out four over three innings. He threw a whopping 87 pitches.
Montero, who has a 8.24 ERA and has allowed 50 baserunners in 19 2/3 innings, started in place of ace right-hander Jacob deGrom, who was scratched because of a foreboding weather forecast. The game was played without interruption, albeit through a steady mist.
"We don't have a lot of options," Collins said of Montero. "So we've got to do a better job of getting him to buy into the fact that he's got to throw strikes."
NOTES: To make room for RHP Dinelson Lamet, the Padres optioned IF Carlos Asuaje to Triple-A El Paso. ... The Mets activated SS Asdrubal Cabrera from the 10-day disabled list and optioned C Kevin Plawecki to Triple-A Las Vegas. Cabrera hit into a double play as a pinch-hitter in the eighth.
Dinelson Lamet earned the win by tossing five strong innings in his major league debut Thursday night as the rebuilding Padres earned their first series victory in almost a month by beating the reeling Mets 4-3.
"We're going to go forward with youth," Padres manager Andy Green said. "I think a lot of guys are settling into being in the big leagues."
Eleven of the 25 players on the Padres' active roster have two years or fewer of major league experience, and most of them played a key role for San Diego (18-31), which won the final two games of the series after falling 9-3 on Tuesday night.
Rookie outfielder Allen Cordoba, a Rule 5 draftee who never played above Class A prior to this season, had his second straight two-hit game Thursday. Another Rule 5 selection, catcher Luis Torrens, had his first career two-hit game Tuesday.
Rookie outfielder Hunter Renfroe had two hits Thursday after hitting the go-ahead homer in Wednesday's 6-5 victory.
Rookie left-hander Jose Torres recorded two outs in the sixth inning after tossing 1 1/3 innings on Wednesday. Second-year right-hander Ryan Buchter threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings Thursday after earning the win one day earlier.
"You're seeing young guy after young guy do something special, so that's what you want to start seeing at this time of year," Green said.
The most vital role Thursday was played by Lamet, who was promoted from Triple-A El Paso prior to the game. The 24-year-old, whose fastball was regularly clocked at 98 mph, allowed one run -- a Lucas Duda homer in the second -- on three hits and two walks while striking out eight, the most strikeouts by a Padres hurler in his major league debut since Bob Shirley whiffed 11 batters April 10, 1977.
Green was most impressed with the calm demeanor displayed by Lamet.
"Told him he was done, he took it in stride, there was like no deep breath relief of it," Green said. "Sometimes you tell a young guy they're done and you'll see them like let all the energy out. (Lamet was) like 'OK.' It's good to see a guy wired like that. Usually that type of wiring plays really well in the big leagues. And that type of stuff has a chance."
Two of the Padres' "older" players -- 26-year-old third baseman Cory Spangenberg and 27-year-old outfielder Matt Szczur -- had two RBIs apiece Thursday. Spangenberg opened and closed the scoring with an RBI single in the first inning and a run-scoring double in the ninth while Szczur drew a bases-loaded walk in the first and hit an RBI single in the third.
Torres, Buchter, Kevin Quackenbush, Brandon Maurer and Brad Hand -- the same five relievers Green used Wednesday -- combined to limit the Mets to one run over the final four innings as San Diego won a series for the first time since taking two of three from the San Francisco Giants on April 28-30.
Hand earned his second save of the season and his second in as many nights despite allowing a run in the ninth. He closed the game out by retiring the potential winning run, Jay Bruce, on a pop-out to third.
Duda added an RBI single in the eighth for the Mets (19-26), who were expected to contend for the National League East crown but have lost 10 of 13 to fall 8 1/2 games behind the Washington Nationals.
Jose Reyes added two hits and had a run-scoring fielder's choice grounder in the ninth for the Mets, who left nine men on base. On Wednesday, New York stranded 12, including three in the ninth.
"We had a number of guys on base," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "Similar to last night in the ninth inning, we just didn't get a hit."
Right-hander Rafael Montero (0-4) struggled in an emergency start and took the loss after giving up three runs on five hits and three walks while striking out four over three innings. He threw a whopping 87 pitches.
Montero, who has a 8.24 ERA and has allowed 50 baserunners in 19 2/3 innings, started in place of ace right-hander Jacob deGrom, who was scratched because of a foreboding weather forecast. The game was played without interruption, albeit through a steady mist.
"We don't have a lot of options," Collins said of Montero. "So we've got to do a better job of getting him to buy into the fact that he's got to throw strikes."
NOTES: To make room for RHP Dinelson Lamet, the Padres optioned IF Carlos Asuaje to Triple-A El Paso. ... The Mets activated SS Asdrubal Cabrera from the 10-day disabled list and optioned C Kevin Plawecki to Triple-A Las Vegas. Cabrera hit into a double play as a pinch-hitter in the eighth.
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Amtrak: 3 tracks to be closed at Penn Station during repairs
Michael DeCataldo, the national passenger railroad’s vice president of operations, offered details on the repair work, which Amtrak announced last month after two derailments and other major service disruptions highlighted the station’s aging infrastructure.
It isn’t known yet how train schedules will be affected since final details haven’t been released. Amtrak has been negotiating with the Long Island Rail Road and New Jersey Transit, which combine to carry hundreds of thousands of people into and out of the station, the nation’s busiest, each weekday.
This week, Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie unveiled a plan to divert some of NJ Transit’s lines to Hoboken, while Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has predicted a “summer of hell” for commuters.
The bulk of the work will focus on an area just west of the passenger platforms known as A Interlocking, a crisscrossing series of tracks where trains emerge from a tunnel under the Hudson River. It’s the spot where dispatchers route trains to the station’s 21 tracks via switches, essentially movable pieces of rail.
Penn Station handles about 1,300 train movements per weekday, twice what it did in the 1970s, according to Amtrak CEO Wick Moorman.
Both recent derailments, one on March 24 and another on April 3, occurred in that general area, though they were unrelated and caused by different factors, Amtrak officials have said. The April derailment, caused by aging wooden cross-ties underneath the rails, knocked out eight of the station’s 21 tracks for several days, causing extensive service disruptions.
Three tracks will be taken out of service at a time because two are needed for staging and removing old equipment while work proceeds on a third track, DeCataldo said Thursday. He added that the replacement of track switches will have a greater effect on service because it limits dispatchers’ flexibility in routing trains.
Christie has been particularly harsh in his recent criticism of Amtrak, saying this week that the railroad couldn’t be trusted because of its “duplicity, dishonesty and their inability to keep infrastructure in a state of good repair.”
The replacement of aging tracks and other equipment, much of which dates to the 1970s, initially was scheduled to be completed over a two- or three-year period, mainly on nights and weekends. But the recent problems prompted Amtrak to condense the process to include weekdays.
A preliminary plan obtained by The Associated Press this month called for weekday work to be performed during six weeks spread across July and August.
“We are very confident in our time frame,” DeCataldo said Thursday. “We recognize how much of an inconvenience this is going to be and wish there was another way we could do it, but the reality is this work has to be done. The idea of doing this in a compressed time frame is that we’ll get it done much more quickly.”
Boy struck on head by broken bat at Yankees game
With Didi Gregorius on second base and no outs in the seventh inning, Carter’s bat shattered on a 3-1 fastball from Matt Strahm. The ball bounced on one hop to second baseman Whit Merrifield, and much of the bat hit the boy, who was sitting about seven rows back on the third-base side, behind the Royals dugout.
Fans around the boy waved frantically for assistance, and play stopped for two minutes as players looked to the seats.
Medical personnel carried out the boy, who appeared to have a leg that was in a brace. Yankees spokesman Jason Zillo said the fan was given first aid at the ballpark and was receiving medical attention elsewhere after the game. He said the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, known as HIPAA, prevented the team from giving more information.
Carter said he did not see the boy get hit.
“You never want to have something like that happen to a kid or anyone in general,” he said. “I guess the good side of it is the square part of the bat didn’t pierce him or anything like that. So I hope he’s OK.”
Carter will try to speak with the family.
“Once I figure out what happened to the kid, where they’re at, hopefully I can get a hold of him,” he said. “Hopefully, it’s not too bad.”
Major League Baseball in December 2015 recommended teams have protective netting or screens between the near ends of both dugouts.
New York City Councilman Rafael L. Espinal Jr. has introduced legislation for protective netting to be extended to the ends of both dugouts.
“The young boy hit by a shattered bat at last night’s Yankee game is a prime example of why it is important that our teams extend their netting ASAP,” Espinal said in a statement. “It becomes clearer and clearer that the seats immediately behind home plate are not the only seats that must be protected by netting.”
Hartnett: A 5-Point Plan For A Successful Rangers Offseason
By Sean Hartnett / CBS New York
As franchise goaltender Henrik Lundqvist enters the twilight of his career, there’s going to be increased yearly pressure on the Rangers to deliver him a Stanley Cup-worthy cast of teammates.
It would be a shame if Lundqvist finishes his decorated career without a parade down the Canyon of Heroes and to see him hoist Lord Stanley above his head among a sea of euphoric fans.
Lundqvist posted a 2.25 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage in 12 playoff games before the Blueshirts were eliminated by the Ottawa Senators in six games in the second round. While there doesn’t seem to be any decline in the 35-year-old netminder’s play, the sensational Swede isn’t going to be around forever.
It’s going to be crucial for general manager Jeff Gorton to make the right calls this offseason to position the Rangers for a deeper playoff run next spring.
Here’s a five-point plan on how to make that happen:
1. GO BIG AFTER A TOP RIGHT-HANDED DEFENSEMAN
Dan Girardi has long served as a minutes-eating shutdown man, but the 33-year-old has been on a steady decline in recent seasons. Though he performed admirably in the opening round against the Montreal Canadiens, the slow-skating alternate captain was exposed by the speedy Senators in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The modern NHL is built on fast legs, tape-to-tape puck movement and high-speed forechecking. Asking an aging, possession-deficient Girardi to perform 22-minute playoff workloads isn’t going to get the Rangers over the hump and back into the conference finals.
Rather than sticking with Girardi, the Rangers are going to need to acquire a right-sided partner who can elevate captain Ryan McDonagh’s game. Girardi is simply no longer cut out for first-pairing minutes as he forces McDonagh to spend too much time putting out fires in the defensive end.
Offense-driving defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk will be the most coveted free agent once July 1 rolls around. The 28-year-old can fill a longstanding need for the Blueshirts, given his power play proficiency. Since the 2011-12 season, Shattenkirk has only finished below Ottawa’s Erik Karlsson in regular season power play points by a defenseman. Karlsson has 146 over that span (421 games), while Shattenkirk has 131 (418 games). The Rangers’ power play slumped to 7.7 percent in the playoffs and signing Shattenkirk would be an immediate upgrade.
Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, right, backhands the puck in past the Rangers’ Adam Clendening at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 28, 2017. (credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
But the issue with signing Shattenkirk is going to be the term of his contract. The Rangers have been burned on the back end of expensive, long-term deals for a decade and Shattenkirk will surely command seven-year offers at or above $6.5 million in average annual value.
Acquiring a youthful right-handed blue liner who can embrace a top-pairing role through the trade market would force the Rangers to surrender some of their best young assets. If they’re serious about making a run at 23-year-old Winnipeg Jets defenseman Jacob Trouba, it’s going to take an impressive package to convince Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff to part with his blossoming all-around star. If Antti Raanta goes unclaimed in next month’s expansion draft, perhaps his inclusion could push a deal forward. Winnipeg is starving for a legitimate No. 1 netminder.
If the Rangers want to gain an elite offensive defenseman without surrendering assets, they should go hard after Shattenkrik. But if they’d rather get a youthful blue liner with a bigger frame and a physical nature, Trouba fits the bill and they will have to give up youth to get youth.
2. GET YOUNGER ON THE BLUE LINE
Girardi and 30-year-old left-hander Marc Staal are in decline and it’s imperative that Gorton find a way to exorcise at least one of their hamstringing contracts. Both possess no-movement clauses.
Girardi has three seasons remaining on his $5.5 million AAV contract, while Staal has four seasons left at $5.7 million. If the Rangers were to buy out Girardi, a portion of his cap charge would be spread across the next six seasons. If Staal were to be bought out, the resulting cap charge would be spread across the next eight.
Rangers defenseman Nick Holden, center, chips the puck past the Senators’ Ben Harpur during Game 1 of the teams’ second-round playoff series on April 27, 2017, in Ottawa, Ontario. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)
Additionally, 30-year-old Nick Holden was on the ice for some costly goals this playoffs, and his one-year, $1.65 million AAV contract is moveable. Kevin Klein, 32, has been on a downward slide and it won’t be easy to get his one-year, $2.9 million deal off the books. Klein dressed for one playoff game.
Brady Skjei, 23, is ready to embrace a full-time, top-four role and there seems to be more blue line youth on the way. Ryan Graves, 22, has impressed for AHL Hartford and could be ready to make the jump. Alexei Bereglazov, 23, and Neal Pionk, 21, were signed as free agents this spring. Graves and Bereglazov are in the shutdown mold, while Pionk produced impressive offensive numbers at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. All three could figure into preseason roster battles.
3. STICK WITH STEPAN
Alternate captain Derek Stepan admitted he was “disappointed and ashamed and flat-out embarrassed” by his postseason performances after the Rangers’ Game 6 elimination against the Sens. The world’s oldest 26-year-old has been with the Rangers forever and that shouldn’t change unless a rival GM makes Gorton an offer he can’t refuse.
Stepan is an ideal No. 2 center. He is a continual lock for 50-plus points, plays smart hockey on the both ends of the ice and is regarded as an excellent communicator in the dressing room. Trading away Stepan would be an overcorrection. He had an underwhelming playoffs, but he’s fully capable of bouncing back.
4. RIDE OUT ONE MORE YEAR WITH NASH
With one year remaining on Rick Nash’s contract at $7.8 million AAV, the Rangers would need to swallow some of his cap hit to facilitate a trade to a team on his 12-team approved list. Nash’s regular season points per game dipped to 0.57 last season, the lowest of his career since his 2002-03 rookie season.
It will be hard for the Rangers to move Nash given his cap hit, decline in production and injury history. Nash will turn 33 on June 16. The Rangers are better off sticking with Nash, who offers plenty of positives across three zones despite two consecutive seasons of sub-40-point outputs. Nash described New York as home on breakup day and could be willing to take a sizeable discount in the summer of 2018 to continue calling The Garden his workplace.
5. ALLOW BUCHNEVICH TO GROW INTO TOP-SIX ROLE
The 2017 playoffs was too early for 22-year-old winger Pavel Buchnevich’s breakout. Bouts with back spasms stunted his development, though the highly skilled Russian recorded 20 points in 41 games in his debut season.
Expect Buchnevich to follow the paths of J.T. Miller and Kevin Hayes to earn head coach Alain Vigneault’s trust through a commitment to defensive zone improvement. Should Buchnevich round out his weaker points, he should stay in the lineup. But Vigneault must be able to tolerate the youngster’s growing pains to reap the rewards of No. 89’s dazzling skill set.
As franchise goaltender Henrik Lundqvist enters the twilight of his career, there’s going to be increased yearly pressure on the Rangers to deliver him a Stanley Cup-worthy cast of teammates.
It would be a shame if Lundqvist finishes his decorated career without a parade down the Canyon of Heroes and to see him hoist Lord Stanley above his head among a sea of euphoric fans.
Lundqvist posted a 2.25 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage in 12 playoff games before the Blueshirts were eliminated by the Ottawa Senators in six games in the second round. While there doesn’t seem to be any decline in the 35-year-old netminder’s play, the sensational Swede isn’t going to be around forever.
It’s going to be crucial for general manager Jeff Gorton to make the right calls this offseason to position the Rangers for a deeper playoff run next spring.
Here’s a five-point plan on how to make that happen:
1. GO BIG AFTER A TOP RIGHT-HANDED DEFENSEMAN
Dan Girardi has long served as a minutes-eating shutdown man, but the 33-year-old has been on a steady decline in recent seasons. Though he performed admirably in the opening round against the Montreal Canadiens, the slow-skating alternate captain was exposed by the speedy Senators in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The modern NHL is built on fast legs, tape-to-tape puck movement and high-speed forechecking. Asking an aging, possession-deficient Girardi to perform 22-minute playoff workloads isn’t going to get the Rangers over the hump and back into the conference finals.
Rather than sticking with Girardi, the Rangers are going to need to acquire a right-sided partner who can elevate captain Ryan McDonagh’s game. Girardi is simply no longer cut out for first-pairing minutes as he forces McDonagh to spend too much time putting out fires in the defensive end.
Offense-driving defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk will be the most coveted free agent once July 1 rolls around. The 28-year-old can fill a longstanding need for the Blueshirts, given his power play proficiency. Since the 2011-12 season, Shattenkirk has only finished below Ottawa’s Erik Karlsson in regular season power play points by a defenseman. Karlsson has 146 over that span (421 games), while Shattenkirk has 131 (418 games). The Rangers’ power play slumped to 7.7 percent in the playoffs and signing Shattenkirk would be an immediate upgrade.
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| Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, right, backhands the puck in past the Rangers’ Adam Clendening at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 28, 2017. (credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) |
But the issue with signing Shattenkirk is going to be the term of his contract. The Rangers have been burned on the back end of expensive, long-term deals for a decade and Shattenkirk will surely command seven-year offers at or above $6.5 million in average annual value.
Acquiring a youthful right-handed blue liner who can embrace a top-pairing role through the trade market would force the Rangers to surrender some of their best young assets. If they’re serious about making a run at 23-year-old Winnipeg Jets defenseman Jacob Trouba, it’s going to take an impressive package to convince Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff to part with his blossoming all-around star. If Antti Raanta goes unclaimed in next month’s expansion draft, perhaps his inclusion could push a deal forward. Winnipeg is starving for a legitimate No. 1 netminder.
If the Rangers want to gain an elite offensive defenseman without surrendering assets, they should go hard after Shattenkrik. But if they’d rather get a youthful blue liner with a bigger frame and a physical nature, Trouba fits the bill and they will have to give up youth to get youth.
2. GET YOUNGER ON THE BLUE LINE
Girardi and 30-year-old left-hander Marc Staal are in decline and it’s imperative that Gorton find a way to exorcise at least one of their hamstringing contracts. Both possess no-movement clauses.
Girardi has three seasons remaining on his $5.5 million AAV contract, while Staal has four seasons left at $5.7 million. If the Rangers were to buy out Girardi, a portion of his cap charge would be spread across the next six seasons. If Staal were to be bought out, the resulting cap charge would be spread across the next eight.
Rangers defenseman Nick Holden, center, chips the puck past the Senators’ Ben Harpur during Game 1 of the teams’ second-round playoff series on April 27, 2017, in Ottawa, Ontario. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)
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| Rangers defenseman Nick Holden, center, chips the puck past the Senators’ Ben Harpur during Game 1 of the teams’ second-round playoff series on April 27, 2017, in Ottawa, Ontario. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images) |
Brady Skjei, 23, is ready to embrace a full-time, top-four role and there seems to be more blue line youth on the way. Ryan Graves, 22, has impressed for AHL Hartford and could be ready to make the jump. Alexei Bereglazov, 23, and Neal Pionk, 21, were signed as free agents this spring. Graves and Bereglazov are in the shutdown mold, while Pionk produced impressive offensive numbers at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. All three could figure into preseason roster battles.
3. STICK WITH STEPAN
Alternate captain Derek Stepan admitted he was “disappointed and ashamed and flat-out embarrassed” by his postseason performances after the Rangers’ Game 6 elimination against the Sens. The world’s oldest 26-year-old has been with the Rangers forever and that shouldn’t change unless a rival GM makes Gorton an offer he can’t refuse.
Stepan is an ideal No. 2 center. He is a continual lock for 50-plus points, plays smart hockey on the both ends of the ice and is regarded as an excellent communicator in the dressing room. Trading away Stepan would be an overcorrection. He had an underwhelming playoffs, but he’s fully capable of bouncing back.
4. RIDE OUT ONE MORE YEAR WITH NASH
With one year remaining on Rick Nash’s contract at $7.8 million AAV, the Rangers would need to swallow some of his cap hit to facilitate a trade to a team on his 12-team approved list. Nash’s regular season points per game dipped to 0.57 last season, the lowest of his career since his 2002-03 rookie season.
It will be hard for the Rangers to move Nash given his cap hit, decline in production and injury history. Nash will turn 33 on June 16. The Rangers are better off sticking with Nash, who offers plenty of positives across three zones despite two consecutive seasons of sub-40-point outputs. Nash described New York as home on breakup day and could be willing to take a sizeable discount in the summer of 2018 to continue calling The Garden his workplace.
5. ALLOW BUCHNEVICH TO GROW INTO TOP-SIX ROLE
The 2017 playoffs was too early for 22-year-old winger Pavel Buchnevich’s breakout. Bouts with back spasms stunted his development, though the highly skilled Russian recorded 20 points in 41 games in his debut season.
Expect Buchnevich to follow the paths of J.T. Miller and Kevin Hayes to earn head coach Alain Vigneault’s trust through a commitment to defensive zone improvement. Should Buchnevich round out his weaker points, he should stay in the lineup. But Vigneault must be able to tolerate the youngster’s growing pains to reap the rewards of No. 89’s dazzling skill set.
New Jersey reaches $39M settlement with ConocoPhillips
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey officials say they have reached a $39 million settlement with energy company ConocoPhillips over ground water contamination.
Attorney General Christopher Porrino said Thursday that a U.S. District judge in New York approved the settlement with the Houston-based company.
Porrino says the company was one of 50 oil and chemical firms sued in 2007 by the state over ground water contamination. The state argued that the defendants were responsible for contamination from a gasoline additive called MTBE.
The defendants include major oil refiners, distributors and gasoline retailers in New Jersey. The state argued that the additive was found in groundwater at sites across the state.
Porrino says the state has obtained nearly $157 million in settlements with the defendants.
A message left with ConocoPhillips wasn’t immediately returned.
Attorney General Christopher Porrino said Thursday that a U.S. District judge in New York approved the settlement with the Houston-based company.
Porrino says the company was one of 50 oil and chemical firms sued in 2007 by the state over ground water contamination. The state argued that the defendants were responsible for contamination from a gasoline additive called MTBE.
The defendants include major oil refiners, distributors and gasoline retailers in New Jersey. The state argued that the additive was found in groundwater at sites across the state.
Porrino says the state has obtained nearly $157 million in settlements with the defendants.
A message left with ConocoPhillips wasn’t immediately returned.
Bears add salsa, sign WR Victor Cruz to 1-year contract
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — The Chicago Bears added some salsa, signing former New York Giants receiver Victor Cruz to a one-year contract Thursday.
The Bears were looking for help after Alshon Jeffery signed with Philadelphia.
A feared receiver with the Giants, he helped them win the Super Bowl before being slowed by injuries. He was released after seven seasons in February.
Cruz has 303 catches for 4,549 yards and 25 touchdowns, many of which he celebrated with a salsa dance. A knee injury and a calf problem caused him to miss most of the 2014 season and all of 2015. Last year, he had 39 catches and one touchdown reception.
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For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL
The Bears were looking for help after Alshon Jeffery signed with Philadelphia.
A feared receiver with the Giants, he helped them win the Super Bowl before being slowed by injuries. He was released after seven seasons in February.
Cruz has 303 catches for 4,549 yards and 25 touchdowns, many of which he celebrated with a salsa dance. A knee injury and a calf problem caused him to miss most of the 2014 season and all of 2015. Last year, he had 39 catches and one touchdown reception.
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For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL
Royals and Yankees rained out; makeup set for September
(TSX / STATS) -- NEW YORK -- Thursday's series finale between the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals was postponed due to heavy rain at Yankee Stadium.
The Yankees announced the final game of the four-game series will be made up on Sept. 25 and a start time will be announced a later date.
The forecast in the Bronx called for heavy rains throughout Thursday, prompting the Yankees to announce the postponement roughly four hours before the scheduled first pitch.
The Yankees were slated to start Masahiro Tanaka, who is coming off the two worst outings of his career. Tanaka has allowed 14 runs and 16 hits in 4 2/3 innings in losses to the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays.
Kansas City was slated to start Miguel Almonte. Almonte was scheduled to make his first career start in place of Nate Karns, who was placed on the disabled list Wednesday with a forearm injury.
Tanaka will likely start Friday's opener against the Oakland Athletics. Almonte could be pushed back to start Tuesday at home against Detroit and Friday's start in Cleveland could go to Ian Kennedy on normal rest.
The Yankees will play Friday without Jacoby Ellsbury, who is on the seven-day concussion disabled list.
Ellsbury crashed into the center field wall to catch a long fly ball from Alcides Escobar on the first pitch of Wednesday's game. He initially stayed in the game was but was removed after the first inning and diagnosed with a concussion and a sprained neck after getting checked out by doctors and trainer Steve Donahue.
"He felt like it was his neck that was bothering him a little bit. Nothing to do with his head. It was more like a whiplash," Girardi said. "After coming in at the end of the inning, he went down (to the clubhouse) and Stevie went and talked to him and declared that we should probably get him out. And then he saw the doctors and they determined that he had a concussion."
It was the second time this season Ellsbury was injured crashing into the wall. He did not start for three straight games due to a nerve injury in his left elbow after tracking down a fly ball by Toronto's Ryan Goins on May 1.
"He plays to win," Girardi said. "It's unfortunate that he's hit the wall a couple times hard. Obviously, we're going to miss him for a while now, but he plays hard."
The Yankees recalled utility man Rob Refsnyder from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to take Ellsbury's place on the 25-man roster.
The makeup game will now give the Yankees a season-ending seven-game homestand. The Royals will fly from Chicago to New York before playing their final six games of the season at home.
New York took two of three in the series, getting a 4-2 victory Monday and a 3-0 win Wednesday. Kansas City took Tuesday's game by hitting four home runs in a 6-2 win but did little in eight innings against Luis Severino on Wednesday.
"I don't know where they found that guy," Kansas City center fielder Lorenzo Cain said. "But he's pretty darn good, I'll tell you that."
Thursday was the second rainout of the season for the Yankees and the third for the Royals.
The Yankees announced the final game of the four-game series will be made up on Sept. 25 and a start time will be announced a later date.
The forecast in the Bronx called for heavy rains throughout Thursday, prompting the Yankees to announce the postponement roughly four hours before the scheduled first pitch.
The Yankees were slated to start Masahiro Tanaka, who is coming off the two worst outings of his career. Tanaka has allowed 14 runs and 16 hits in 4 2/3 innings in losses to the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays.
Kansas City was slated to start Miguel Almonte. Almonte was scheduled to make his first career start in place of Nate Karns, who was placed on the disabled list Wednesday with a forearm injury.
Tanaka will likely start Friday's opener against the Oakland Athletics. Almonte could be pushed back to start Tuesday at home against Detroit and Friday's start in Cleveland could go to Ian Kennedy on normal rest.
The Yankees will play Friday without Jacoby Ellsbury, who is on the seven-day concussion disabled list.
Ellsbury crashed into the center field wall to catch a long fly ball from Alcides Escobar on the first pitch of Wednesday's game. He initially stayed in the game was but was removed after the first inning and diagnosed with a concussion and a sprained neck after getting checked out by doctors and trainer Steve Donahue.
"He felt like it was his neck that was bothering him a little bit. Nothing to do with his head. It was more like a whiplash," Girardi said. "After coming in at the end of the inning, he went down (to the clubhouse) and Stevie went and talked to him and declared that we should probably get him out. And then he saw the doctors and they determined that he had a concussion."
It was the second time this season Ellsbury was injured crashing into the wall. He did not start for three straight games due to a nerve injury in his left elbow after tracking down a fly ball by Toronto's Ryan Goins on May 1.
"He plays to win," Girardi said. "It's unfortunate that he's hit the wall a couple times hard. Obviously, we're going to miss him for a while now, but he plays hard."
The Yankees recalled utility man Rob Refsnyder from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to take Ellsbury's place on the 25-man roster.
The makeup game will now give the Yankees a season-ending seven-game homestand. The Royals will fly from Chicago to New York before playing their final six games of the season at home.
New York took two of three in the series, getting a 4-2 victory Monday and a 3-0 win Wednesday. Kansas City took Tuesday's game by hitting four home runs in a 6-2 win but did little in eight innings against Luis Severino on Wednesday.
"I don't know where they found that guy," Kansas City center fielder Lorenzo Cain said. "But he's pretty darn good, I'll tell you that."
Thursday was the second rainout of the season for the Yankees and the third for the Royals.
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