MLB notes: Kris Bryant struggles in Cubs debut
Kris Bryant absorbed the sights and smells and sounds of Wrigley Field. He cherished playing in front of 30,000 charged-up fans. He appreciated all the family members and friends who turned out for his big league debut.
Only two things were missing – a hit and a win.
The prized power prospect of the Chicago Cubs struck out in his first three at-bats against James Shields and then grounded out in a key spot Friday during a 5-4 loss to the San Diego Padres.
“Sure, I could have done a little better,” Bryant said. “There’s two sides to the ball, I felt I did well on defense.”
Called up one day after the Cubs ensured he can’t be eligible for free agency until 2021, the 23-year-old who dominated in spring training went 0 for 4.
Bryant cleanly handled Derek Norris’ sharp grounder in the first inning and started a double play.
After a two-out walk to Anthony Rizzo in the bottom half, Bryant drew a standing ovation as he came to the plate.
With fans still on their feet and taking picture, Bryant swung through three pitches for an inning-ending strikeout.
Scoscia, Hamilton discuss future
Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia met with Josh Hamilton this week for the first time in months, and says he isn’t sure when the star will return to the team.
The manager declined to discuss many details of their meeting, except to say that Hamilton is running and hitting and that “there’s still some work he has to do before he’s ready to play a game.”
Minor leaguers tinker with rules
The Long Island Ducks and Bridgeport Bluefish will play an experimental exhibition game today aimed at speeding the pace of play.
A batter is to be called out if he fouls off a pitch with two strikes. The rules also give batters a walk after three balls, not four.
Clearing the bases
The Brewers placed All-Star OF Carlos Gomez on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained right hamstring. … Yankees LF Brett Gardner remained out of the starting lineup due to a bruised right wrist. … Blue Jays SS Jose Reyes has a cracked rib on his left side and will miss this weekend’s series against Atlanta. … Joe Maddon was ejected for the first time as Cubs manager after arguing balls and strikes in their game against San Diego. … Orioles RHP Ubaldo Jimenez was ejected after hitting Boston slugger Pablo Sandoval with a pitch in the fourth inning. … Royals SS Alcides Escobar was helped off the field without putting weight on his left leg after Oakland’s Brett Lawrie slid into him in a play at second base. … Nationals RHP Craig Stammen will have surgery Sunday for a torn flexor tendon in his right forearm and could miss the rest of the season. … The Rangers activated RHP Tanner Scheppers from the 15-day disabled list. … The Twins placed LHP Brian Duensing on the 15-day disabled list with a strain of muscles in his rib cage. … The Royals recalled OF Reymond Fuentes from Triple-A.