MLB Notes

PIRATES

Kang takes rehab to Indy

CHICAGO — Pittsburgh Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle said Monday the decision to have Jung Ho Kang continue his injury rehab in Indianapolis instead of Chicago has nothing to do with an investigation into the infielder for an allegation of sexual assault.

Kang traveled with the team to Milwaukee, but went to Class AAA Indianapolis to work out when the team traveled to Chicago for a threegame series against the Cubs. Hurdle said the lack of facilities at Wrigley Field and the team’s workout schedule were the main reasons for the move.

“This would be going on no matter where we were playing right now,” Hurdle said. “This is all part of the rehab mapped out at this particular point.”

Kang hurt his left shoulder sliding head first into second base in the eighth inning of a 6-5 loss to Miami on Aug. 19. He is expected to miss two to four weeks.

Hurdle said Kang took batting practice and fielded grounders while the team was in Milwaukee.

“We wanted to ramp up the activity and this is a tough place to ramp anything up,” Hurdle said before the series opener against the Cubs. “And we’re not having a day of activity tomorrow. We’re taking a rest day with everybody coming in late, so we’re not even going to be on the field. This gives him the full opportunity to practice early, pregame and ramp it out in a much more conducive environment than what he would have here.”

Police said last month that a 23-year-old woman reported being assaulted by Kang inside a hotel. The woman said she blacked out, and then drifted in and out of consciousness as he sexually assaulted her. The woman’s name has not been released.

Kang, 29, has not been charged. Chicago Police Department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said Monday that the investigation is ongoing. Police are trying to meet with the alleged victim to ask some questions, he said.

Elbow lands Cole on DL

CHICAGO — The Pittsburgh Pirates have placed ace Gerrit Cole on the 15-day disabled list with right elbow inflammation.

Cole pitched five shaky innings in a 5-4 loss to Houston on Wednesday, and then let the team know he experienced some discomfort during the outing. He had a 6.08 ERA in five August starts.

Left-hander Steven Brault was promoted from Class AAA Indianapolis to take Cole’s spot in the rotation Monday night at the Chicago Cubs.

Cole’s injury means none of Pittsburgh’s five starters from opening day are currently in the rotation. Francisco Liriano and Jon Niese left via trade and Jeff Locke and Juan Nicasio are working out of the bullpen.

METS

Walker, Cabrera still out

NEW YORK — The New York Mets are still without double-play partners Neil Walker and Asdrubal Cabrera for a pivotal, four-game series against Miami.

Wilmer Flores started at second base Monday night in place of Walker, sidelined for the second consecutive day by a stiff back. Kelly Johnson was at third base, with Jose Reyes sliding over to Cabrera’s spot at shortstop.

Cabrera exited Sunday’s loss to Philadelphia in the first inning after aggravating a left knee injury that sidelined him twice earlier this year.

Cabrera struck out as a pinch hitter Monday, and Walker will probably be unavailable for the time being.

TWINS

Santana has sprained shoulder

CLEVELAND — The Minnesota Twins placed center fielder Danny Santana on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained left shoulder.

Santana was injured when he collided with left fielder Robbie Grossman in the first inning Sunday in Toronto. He left the game the following inning and was examined Monday in Minneapolis.

Santana, a switch-hitter, is batting .240 with 2 home runs, 14 RBI and 12 stolen bases for Minnesota, which has lost 10 consecutive games.

Logan Schafer was called up from Class AAA Rochester and started in center field Monday against Cleveland.

INDIANS

Salazar on paternity list

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians have placed right-hander Danny Salazar on the paternity list.

Salazar had a strong first half and made the American League All-Star team, but hasn’t won since July 19. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sore elbow Aug. 2 and allowed 9 runs in 5 innings over 2 starts after being activated.

Salazar gave up 2 runs while striking out 10 and walking 2 in 5 1/3 innings of work in a 2-1 loss to Texas on Sunday. He is 11-6 with a 3.88 ERA in 23 starts.

Right-hander Shawn Armstrong was recalled from Class AAA Columbus and will work out of the bullpen.

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