MLB notebook: D-backs' Lovullo, Cards' Molina nearly tussle

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina didn't like what he heard from Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo on Sunday, and that nearly led to fisticuffs in the top of the second inning at St. Louis.

"(Lovullo) called me a (foul term) twice," Molina told KPNX-TV. "If you're going to call somebody that, you better be ready to fight."

Lovullo was on the field arguing a called third strike on Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock called by plate umpire Tim Timmons. Lovullo apparently didn't appreciate Molina's nearby presence, or input in the discussion, as the manager was getting tossed by Timmons. Timmons had to restrain Molina before Cardinals manager Mike Matheny came out of the dugout to help as both benches cleared.

Molina, who was not ejected, was still fuming after the game and said he hopes Major League Baseball takes Lovullo to task, according to MLB.com. Lovullo was apologetic toward Molina, saying he was not directing his comments to the catcher.

--Reds third baseman Eugenio Suarez sustained a fractured right thumb on Sunday when hit by a pitch during Cincinnati's 5-0 road loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Suarez was plunked on the hand in the top of the fourth by Pirates right-hander Jameson Taillon. He initially remained in the game but was replaced in the bottom of the inning by Cliff Pennington. The Reds announced the diagnosis a couple innings later.

Suarez is batting .296 with two homers and seven RBIs in 27 at-bats this season.

--Boston shortstop Xander Bogaerts left the Red Sox's home game against Tampa Bay in the seventh inning with a left ankle injury after sliding into the Rays' dugout attempting to corral a loose ball.

After being looked at by the trainer, Bogaerts was helped off the field and Brock Holt replaced him at shortstop.

Bogaerts is the Red Sox's hottest hitter early on (.368 with two homers and nine RBIs).

--Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a right oblique injury, the team announced. The move was made retroactive to Thursday.

Milwaukee recalled right-hander Taylor Williams from Triple-A Colorado Springs to fill the roster spot.

Yelich was injured Wednesday during a contest against the St. Louis Cardinals. He is batting .385 with one homer and five RBIs in 26 at-bats.

--The Cleveland Indians will be without right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall from four to six weeks after he strained his right calf.

The team announced it had put Chisenhall on the 10-day disabled list and had recalled outfielder Tyler Naquin from Triple-A Columbus. Chisenhall, who injured himself running to make a catch in the first inning on Saturday, missed 45 games last season with the same injury.

Naquin returns to the team after being sent down to Triple-A Columbus on Friday to make room for the return of Michael Brantley. Naquin had two hits, including a home run, in 12 at-bats during his earlier stint with the Indians. Chisenhall is batting .235 with no RBIs in 17 at-bats.

--The Chicago White Sox purchased the contract of right-handed reliever Bruce Rondon to replace Juan Minaya.

Minaya, who has struggled early on this season and walked four batters without recording an out Saturday in a 6-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers, was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte.

Rondon, 27, was non-tendered by the Tigers on Dec. 1. He posted a 10.91 ERA over 15 2/3 innings in 21 relief appearances with Detroit last season.

--The Arizona Diamondbacks recalled first baseman Christian Walker from Triple-A Reno, giving them right-handed power off the bench.

The team optioned right-handed pitcher Matt Koch to Reno. Koch pitched two scoreless innings in his only appearance this season.

Walker was the Pacific Coast League's Most Valuable Player in 2017 after hitting 32 home runs and driving in 114 runs for Reno. He was 3-for-12 for the Diamondbacks as a September call-up.

--Field Level Media