MLB notes: Blue Jays OF Michael Saunders injures knee
Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Michael Saunders could be sidelined until around the All-Star break after stepping on a sprinkler while shagging fly balls and tearing cartilage in his left knee.
General manager Alex Anthopoulos said Thursday the injury occurred a day earlier and is expected to require surgery.
Saunders will seek a second opinion before making a decision.
Saunders, acquired from Seattle in a December trade and projected as a starter, said he felt a pop after stepping awkwardly on the sprinkler head while going after a ball at the team’s training facility.
“I just tried to walk off the field and not draw any attention to myself. Then, when I got into the training room, my knee felt like it was getting tight on the inside,” said Saunders, who was on crutches. “I’ve never had any issues with my knees, so that’s when I knew that something was wrong.”
The 28-year-old Saunders was traded from the Mariners to Toronto for pitcher J.A. Happ.
He hit .273 with eight homers and 34 RBIs in 78 games with the Mariners last season, when he made two trips to the disabled list because of shoulder and oblique injuries.
Angels teammates support Hamilton
Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton was on the minds of his teammates, a day after he was in New York to meet with Major League Baseball officials about an unspecified disciplinary issue.
The 33-year-old Hamilton has a history of drug addiction and alcohol abuse, leading to suspensions that cost him more than three years while in the minors.
The Angels have confirmed Hamilton’s meeting with MLB, but haven’t given any more information. The New York Daily News reported that Hamilton suffered a relapse involving cocaine and alcohol.
“I don’t know any of the details, so I can’t talk about that. But we miss him and we hope everything works out,” MVP outfielder Mike Trout said.
“When you have something going on, given what Josh has been through, you’re looking out for him as a person first and his family,” added pitcher C.J. Wilson.
Rodriguez returns with first workout
Alex Rodriguez walked into the clubhouse at the New York Yankees spring training complex, slipped on his uniform for the first time in more than a year and quietly launched his comeback from a season-long suspension caused by performance-enhancing drugs.
Most fans welcomed Rodriguez with cheers and words of encouragement.
He took ground balls at third base and hit three home runs in 32 swings during batting practice.
Clearing the bases
The Milwaukee Brewers and closer Francisco Rodriguez agreed to a $13 million, two-year contract. … Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright has been diagnosed with an abdominal strain but could be available for opening day. … Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons suffered a slight left oblique strain. … Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton saw his first live pitches since being hit in the face on Sept. 11. … Yankees right-hander Masahiro Tanaka threw 40 pitches in a bullpen session and could pitch batting practice next week. … Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy said the team hasn’t approached him about an extension after he signed a one-year deal last month.