MLB Roundup: Rodriguez's Biogenesis role scrutinized; Pettitte to miss start
ESPN reported Saturday that New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez paid a former Biogenesis clinic employee to prevent the release of documents that could potentially damage him.
However, Major League Baseball investigators looking into the dealings of the clinic have no physical evidence linking Rodriguez to any payments, according to the report.
The New York Times reported Friday that the investigators had evidence that Rodriguez purchased documents from a clinic employee, but ESPN reported that a source close to the investigation said that was untrue.
The Miami-based clinic is suspected of providing performance-enhancing drugs to major league players, including Rodriguez. A spokesman for Rodriguez denied the allegation Friday.
Rodriguez is rehabbing from arthroscopic left hip surgery performed in January. He hopes to rejoin the Yankees' lineup after the All-Star break.
If MLB can obtain either physical evidence or sworn statements, Rodriguez could face a suspension from baseball, and could also face possible criminal charges, according to the ESPN report.
The Miami New Times reported in January that it obtained medical records from the clinic that tied several players, including Rodriguez, Melky Cabrera, Gio Gonzalez, Bartolo Colon, Nelson Cruz and Yasmani Grandal, to the use of banned substances like human growth hormone.
More records then emerged that tied other players to the clinic.
--- Yankees veteran left-hander Andy Pettitte will miss his scheduled start Sunday because of back spasms, CBS Sports reported. Pettitte could return early next week, perhaps Tuesday or Wednesday.
Hiroki Kuroda is listed as Sunday's probable Yankees starter for Sunday night's game against the visiting Orioles. If Pettitte is forced to miss more than one start, David Phelps is his likely replacement in the rotation.
---The Toronto Blue Jays placed shortstop Jose Reyes on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained ankle and purchased the contract of shortstop Munenori Kawasaki from Class AAA Buffalo.
Reyes twisted his left ankle while sliding into second base during the Blue Jays' 8-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night. He was carted off the field in the sixth inning following the awkward slide. The team did not immediately release the results of an MRI exam taken but Reyes is expected to be out for a few weeks.
---The Chicago Cubs placed recently-named closer Kyuji Fujikawa on the 15-day disabled list with a right forearm sprain, ESPN Chicago reported. The club called up right-hander Rafael Dolis from Class AAA Iowa to take Fujikawa's spot on the 25-man roster.
Carlos Marmol started the season as the Cubs closer but was replaced less than a week ago by Fujikawa. The team will use a bullpen-by-committee while its ninth-inning stopper is out. Marmol is not expected to win back the ninth-inning role.
---The Oakland A's placed outfielder Yoenis Cespedes on the 15-day disabled list Saturday with a strained left hand. The club recalled outfielder Michael Taylor from Class AAA Sacramento to replace him on the 25-man roster.
Cespedes was injured in the eighth inning of Friday night's 4-3 extra-innings win over the visiting Detroit Tigers. X-rays and an MRI showed no structural damage so the team believes Cespedes could be back when he is eligible.
---Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton is listed as day-to-day after an MRI showed a contusion in his left shoulder, MLB.com reported. Stanton was not in the Marlins lineup for Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies, and was scratched about 40 minutes before Friday's game with shoulder soreness.
---The Los Angeles Angels signed right-handed pitcher Kip Wells to a minor league contract, CBS Sports reported. The Angels are in need of starting pitching with ace right-hander Jered Weaver out until maybe June with a fractured left elbow.
Wells had a 4.58 ERA in seven starts last year for the San Diego Padres. Before that, he had not pitched in the big leagues since 2009. In 12 seasons, Wells has a 4.71 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP.
---The Cleveland Indians announced that their postponed games from last Wednesday and Thursday against the Yankees were rescheduled as a traditional doubleheader on May 13 at Progressive Field.
