Baseball notes: Surgery likely for Dodgers’ Kershaw
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching injury woes aren’t likely to go away any time soon.
Manager Dave Roberts said surgery “is more of a possibility” for Clayton Kershaw after a setback with the herniated disk in his back.
Kershaw has been out since June 27 because of mild disk herniation and felt discomfort after a throwing session on Saturday. Roberts said no doctors told him that surgery was more likely for the three-time National League Cy Young Award winner but inferred that based on the type of injury.
“With the way it flared up, it’s more of an indication that surgery is more of a possibility obviously with the way his back responded,” Roberts said Wednesday. “But we’re still hopeful that he’s going to be back. When you’re talking about the back, (surgery is) always an option.”
Roberts said Kershaw, who’s 11-2 with a National League-leading 1.79 ERA, is doing more conservative exercises now and not performing any baseball activities with the goal of calming the back pain down. Kershaw does not have shooting pain in his back, which would be a sign that the injury is more severe.
Teams spend record on bonuses
Major league teams have spent a record $267.95 million on signing bonuses for players drafted last month, a 7.4 percent increase from last year’s final total of $249.38 million.
Spending initially declined when restraints were put in place ahead of the 2012 draft, but has gradually risen under the five-year labor contract with the players’ association.
NY, MLB, A-Rod to build academy
New York state is teaming up with Major League Baseball and others including Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez to create a youth baseball and softball academy.
Govenor Andrew Cuomo said the academy at Roberto Clemente State Park will immediately begin serving 1,500 young players.
Clearing the bases
The Indians have engaged in discussions to acquire Brewers All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy. … The Rangers have acquired minor league right-hander Scott Carroll from the White Sox for cash. … Pitchers Angelo Almonte of Arizona, Jean Peralta of the Yankees and Jose Pinales of the White Sox have been suspended for 72 games under baseball’s minor league drug program, and Baltimore pitcher Wally Vrolijk has been banned 50 games. … The illness making its way through the Orioles’ clubhouse has claimed manager Buck Showalter and third baseman Manny Machado. … Koji Uehara has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Red Sox with a right pectoral strain. … Rangers’ slugger Prince Fielder is facing the prospect of season-ending neck surgery. … Boston’s Xander Bogaerts was hit on the head by an errant throw, but remained in Wednesday night’s game against the Giants.