MLB notes: Commissioner candidates make pitches ahead of vote

The three candidates in Major League Baseball’s first contested election for a new commissioner in 46 years made presentations to the 30 teams Wednesday, a day ahead of the vote.

MLB Chief Operating Officer Rob Manfred, Boston Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner and MLB Executive Vice President of Business Tim Brosnan addressed team executives at a hotel a few blocks from Camden Yards in attempts to gain the 23 votes needed to replace Bud Selig in January.

They spoke for about an hour apiece, including PowerPoint presentations, and the owners attended an evening reception at the B&O Warehouse behind the ballpark’s right-field wall. The executives will split into three groups of 10 for question-and-answer sessions today before the vote, which will take place by secret written ballot. A three-quarters majority is needed for election.

Manfred was estimated to have the support of 20-21 teams headed into the meetings, Werner of about six and Brosnan one: the Reds. There is no limit to the number of ballots, and it remained possible no one would gain election.

Werner is supported by White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf and Angels owner Moreno. Other teams have said Reinsdorf wants a commissioner who will take a harsher stance in labor negotiations for the deal to replace the collective bargaining agreement that expires after the 2016 season.

The trio of candidates was picked by a seven-man succession committee chaired by St. Louis Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr.

Tulowitzki out

The Rockies say All-Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki will have surgery on his left hip Friday and miss the rest of the season.

Tulowitzki was placed on the 15-day disabled list on July 22, three days after he was hurt running out a grounder in Pittsburgh.

While it was Tulowitzki’s first trip to the DL this season, he had taken days off to rest his chronically tight legs.

Clearing the bases

Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with right elbow inflammation. … Orioles third baseman Manny Machado has been placed on the 15-day DL with a sprained right knee ligament. … Indians deisgnated hitter Nick Swisher will have a second opinion on his sore right knee Tuesday in Los Angeles. … Nationals right fielder Jayson Werth will remain sidelined for at least a couple of days after receiving a cortisone injection for his sore right shoulder. … Twins star prospect Byron Buxton was taken off the field in an ambulance after an outfield collision Wednesday in his first game for Double-A New Britain.