MLB notes: Red Sox, Yankees put on notice before series
Major League Baseball has sent a “heads-up” notice to the umpires working the series between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, reminding the crew that the teams had a dustup the last time they played.
The Red Sox visited Yankee Stadium in New York on Thursday night in their first game since Boston’s Ryan Dempster hit Alex Rodriguez with a pitch on Aug. 18. That caused the teams to tussle at Fenway Park, and Dempster was suspended for five games.
Umpire crew chief Joe West says it’s been standard protocol for MLB for a decade or so to give advance notice to crews when clubs are meeting for the first time since having trouble. West said the umpires were recently sent an email advising them that there was a “heads-up” for this series.
Kershaw earns 2013 Branch Rickey Award
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw is being recognized for his work off the field. He’s the winner of the 2013 Branch Rickey Award in recognition of his community work.
Created by the Rotary Club of Denver in 1991, the Branch Rickey Award honors individuals in baseball who contribute to their communities and are strong role models for young people.
At 25, Kershaw is the youngest person to receive the award.
Each year, major league teams nominate a player, coach or executive, either active or retired, for the award. The award is named in honor of the late baseball executive known for creating the framework for the modern minor league farm system and for breaking baseball’s color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson, the first black player in the major leagues.
Good news for Cards first baseman Craig
St. Louis first baseman Allen Craig has a sprained left foot but no fracture, a big relief for a Cardinals team that feared it had lost its cleanup hitter for the rest of the season.
Craig hurt his foot while rounding first base during a 16-inning win over the Reds on Wednesday. He lingered on the ground for a while before walking off gingerly.
X-rays in Cincinnati were inconclusive. He was sent back to St. Louis for an MRI and more X-rays that indicated nothing was broken.
Manager Mike Matheny says it’s a relief that he can return at some point as the Cardinals are engaged in a close battle with Pittsburgh for the N.L Central title.