Notes

Albert Pujols
Albert Pujols

ANGELS

Pujols has sore hamstring

photo

Tyson Ross

NEW YORK -- Albert Pujols was out of the Los Angeles Angels' starting lineup on Friday at the New York Mets because of a sore right hamstring.

The 37-year-old left Wednesday's game against the Chicago White Sox in the seventh, one inning after he was thrown out trying to stretch a single into a double.

Angels Manager Mike Scioscia said Pujols had an MRI, which showed tendinitis in the hamstring.

"Nothing more than that," Scioscia said. "It's sore."

Pujols is hitting .247 with five home runs and 32 RBI, usually hitting third in the order behind AL MVP Mike Trout.

"There's obviously going to be a little hole in your lineup, and you just work around it," Scioscia said.

Scioscia said he would determine Pujols' availability as a pinch hitter after the star hit in the batting cage.

METS

Handling injuries differently

NEW YORK -- With a bundle of key players on the disabled list, Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson says the team is making some changes to the way it handles injuries.

Alderson is now meeting daily with the training staff, something he hasn't always done in the past. The front office also is communicating often with its "resources" in Port St. Lucie, Fla., at the team's spring training complex.

Alderson also said Friday that bigger changes could still be made, but those "might require a little more in the way of investigation and research that sometimes requires a little time."

New York has a number of key players on the disabled list, including ace Noah Syndergaard and outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. Syndergaard partially tore the latissimus dorsi behind his right arm on April 30 after refusing an MRI a few days earlier, and Cespedes is out after reinjuring his left hamstring six days after initially hurting the leg.

RANGERS

Ross' return expected soon

DETROIT -- Right-hander Tyson Ross could be just one more rehab start away from joining the Texas Rangers' rotation after tossing four innings Thursday in a start at extending spring training.

Ross is expected to start Tuesday, likely for Class AAA Round Rock, and stretch out to five innings and 80 pitches. He would be able to log 90-95 pitches in his next start, whether with the Rangers or once more in the minors.

Out to start the season because of offseason surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome and slowed last month because of back spasms, the Rangers could take the conservative route with Ross.

"We'll see how he feels and how things go with the next start," pitching coach Doug Brocail said. "I know one thing: He says he feels really, really good."

Ross allowed 2 runs on 6 hits Thursday while striking out 5 and walking none over 65 pitches. It was his second start in extended spring, and Brocail said that Ross' slider was better and that his fastball was clocked from 88-92 mph.

BREWERS

Braun may be back Sunday

CHICAGO -- Milwaukee slugger Ryan Braun could return as early as Sunday from a left calf strain.

Manager Craig Counsell made the announcement Friday before the Brewers' series opener at Wrigley Field against the Cubs.

Braun has been on disabled list retroactive to May 11. In 27 games, he has 7 home runs, 18 RBI and is batting .287.

Braun, a six-time All Star and 2011 National League MVP, has been taking batting practice and throwing. Counsell said Braun has been "making progress" and "won't say it's going to be for sure on Sunday yet, but it will be close."

Slugger Eric Thames was back in the Brewers' starting lineup at first base on Friday after missing three games in San Diego with strep throat. He pinch hit on Thursday, when the Brewers won their ninth game in 11.

Thames has 13 home runs, 25 RBI and is batting .313.

RED SOX

Price makes 1st rehab start

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Boston Red Sox ace David Price allowed 3 runs on 5 hits and lasted only 2 innings in making his first minor league rehab start since straining his left elbow in late February.

Price was pulled after making just 65 pitches, which was 25 short of what he was projected to throw for Class AAA Pawtucket on Friday at Buffalo. He struck out four and walked one.

The 2012 American League Cy Young winner opened the second inning by giving up a leadoff home run to Raffy Lopez, who hit a 2-0 pitch over the 371-foot mark in left-center field. With the bases loaded and one out, Price gave up two runs on Jake Elmore's bloop single into right field.

The rough outing puts in question the hopes Red Sox Manager John Farrell had in suggesting Price, 31, could be called up to the majors as early as next week.

Price threw 41 strikes and 24 balls. It's unclear how fast his pitches were because of technical difficulties involving the radar gun.

Sports on 05/20/2017

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