MLB news, injury and rumors roundup for Sept. 21
And we're here. The final week of the 2014 Major League Baseball regular season. Let's get to the roundup.
PENNANT RACE
Cardinals: They've clinched at least a wild-card spot in the postseason.
INJURY UPDATES
Athletics: Jed Lowrie had to leave Sunday's win with a left foot contusion (athletics.com). Also, Craig Gentry and John Jaso are likely done for the year due to concussion concerns (athletics.com).
Blue Jays: Adam Lind was out Sunday due to a sore back (bluejays.com).
Braves: A swollen thumb has Jason Heyward out (ajc.com). Evan Gattis is getting better and hopes to play catch this week (ajc.com).
Dodgers: There's a chance Hyun-Jin Ryu gets a start before the end of the regular season, but he'll have to hustle (dodgers.com).
Mariners: Roenis Elias could return this season after all, but it would be in the bullpen (mariners.com).
Marlins: Marcell Ozuna suffered a high ankle sprain Sunday and won't play again this season (sun-sentinel.com).
Mets: Dilson Herrera might be playing Winter Ball, if his quad recovers in time (mets.com).
Orioles: Both Steve Pearce and Nick Markakis are expeted to return to the lineup next series (baltimoresun.com).
Padres: Tyson Ross may not pitch again this season (utsandiego.com).
Phillies: Domonic Brown aims to return Tuesday from his wrist injury (phillies.com).
Rangers: Jurickson Profar has suffered yet another setback (star-telegram.com). Also, Alex Rios' lingering thumb injury means he won't play again this season (texasrangers.com).
Red Sox: Xander Bogaerts has stiffness in his neck (redsox.com).
Royals: Danny Duffy returns to the rotation Monday (mlb.com).
Tigers: Anibal Sanchez could return this week. Also, Alex Avila could return to the lineup Monday night (tigers.com).
Twins: Back stiffness kept Aaron Hicks out of the lineup Sunday (twinsbaseball.com).
Yankees: Masahiro Tanaka returned to the mound and worked 5 1/3 innings, allowing one run on five hits and striking out four without a walk. His splitter was sharp, too. The Yankees have announced that he'll start on Saturday, so this is great news heading into the offseason for the club. Also, Carlos Beltran needs elbow surgery, but he wants to delay it until after the season (yankees.com).
NEWS, RUMORS AND MISCELLANY
Astros: After hitting the 200-inning mark, Dallas Keuchel has been shut down for the rest of the season (Jose de Jesus Ortiz).
Blue Jays: Marcus Stroman has dropped his appeal and will serve a five-game suspension.
Braves: Major changes in the front office are possible, as GM Frank Wren seems in peril, reports Jon Heyman.
Cardinals: Mike Matheny is trying to manage closer Trevor Rosenthal's workload (stltoday.com).
Orioles: Nelson Cruz wants to stay with Baltimore, but extension talks will wait until after the season (Rich Dubroff).
Pirates: They are hoping to re-sign free-agent-to-be Russell Martin (pirates.com).
Rangers: Tim Bogar is reportedly the heavy favorite to be hired as the new manager.
Rays: What might the team look like next season? Marc Topkin of tampabay.com takes a look.
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