DODGERS
Robinson statue coming
LOS ANGELES — Jackie Robinson’s uniform number was on the back of every player at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday night and No. 42 was etched in the infield dirt.
Some day in the near future, there will be a more enduring tribute to the player who broke baseball’s color barrier 68 years ago.
As part of Civil Rights Game festivities that preceded their game with the Seattle Mariners, the Dodgers announced plans to erect a statue of Robinson on their stadium grounds.
The statue would be the first of its kind at Dodger Stadium.
“I’ve been waiting 20 years,” said Robinson’s widow, Rachel Robinson. “It’s the fulfillment of a dream.”
Dodgers President Stan Kasten offered few details about the project, saying he didn’t know when the statue would be made or where it would be placed.
But Kasten indicated it would be the first of a series.
“I would not be surprised if there are more to come,” Kasten said.
CUBS
Bryant called up
CHICAGO — The highly anticipated Kris Bryant era starts today at Wrigley Field.
After a controversial three weeks in which the Cubs’ top prospect was sent to Class AAA Iowa despite a dominant spring training, team officials have elected to promote him to the majors, a source confirmed late Thursday night.
Bryant will take the roster spot of third baseman Mike Olt, who will be placed on the 15-day disabled list after getting struck on the right wrist by a pitch Saturday against the Rockies.
Bryant’s promotion was revealed shortly after he hit a three-run home run in the sixth inning of Class AAA Iowa’s 10-7 victory at New Orleans. Bryant batted .321 with three home runs and 10 RBI for Iowa after winning the large support of his teammates in spring training. Bryant batted .425 with nine home runs in only 40 at-bats.
Because Bryant wasn’t on the major league roster for 12 days, he won’t be eligible for free agency until after 2021. But the Cubs have an urgent need at third base because Olt and Tommy La Stella (sore right ribcage) are on the DL.
This marks another step toward the Cubs’ commitment to contending for a National League playoff berth. Bryant signed a $6.7 million bonus out of the University of San Diego two years ago, and he has dominated every level in the minors in a short span.
WHITE SOX
Petricka on rehab
CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox have sent right-hander Jake Petricka to Class AAA Charlotte on an injury rehabilitation assignment.
Petricka was limited to five appearances in spring training because of a strained right forearm and opened the season on the disabled list. He led major-league rookies with 14 saves while going 1-6 with a 2.96 ERA in 67 appearances last season.
The White Sox announced the move Thursday.
BLUE JAYS
Goins recalled
The Toronto Blue Jays have recalled infielder Ryan Goins from Class AAA Buffalo and designated right-handed pitcher Todd Redmond for assignment.
Goins played in 6 games for Buffalo this season and batted .350 with 1 double and 3 RBI. This spring the left-handed hitter produced a.315 average in 28 games with 5 doubles, 1 triple, 2 home runs and 7 RBI.
Redmond, 29, has appeared in two games with the Blue Jays this season and posted a 16.62 ERA.
NATIONALS
Stammen to have surgery
WASHINGTON — Washington Nationals reliever Craig Stammen has a torn flexor tendon in his right forearm that requires surgery and could force him to miss the rest of the season.
Manager Matt Williams gave the news Thursday after Stammen had an MRI. The operation has not yet been scheduled.
“Depends on the extent of the damage,” Williams said of Stammen’s chance of missing the season.
The 31-year-old right-hander appeared in five games — all in relief — without allowing a run in four innings. He went on the disabled list Wednesday.
“It’s never good news,” Williams said of the surgery. “But knowing him, he’ll rehab as quick as he can, as hard as he can, and be back at some point. We just don’t know the time frame.”
The Nationals recalled left-hander Felipe Rivero from Class AAA Syracuse and optioned righty Taylor Jordan to their top farm club.
Rivero, 23, will be making his major-league debut.