Royals’ Maier hit in head

Mitch Maier of the Kansas City Royals suffered three broken bones when he was hit in the face by a pitch from Cleveland Indians left-hander Zach Jackson in the fifth inning Wednesday night in Cleveland.

Maier was taken to a hospital for X-rays, which revealed the fractures below his right eye.

The 26-year-old returned to the Royals’ clubhouse after Kansas City’s 8-5 loss, his right eye swollen shut.

Clearing the bases

Baseball umpires and management signed an agreement that will allow the sport to start using instant replay to help determine calls on the field. … The New York Mets agreed with right-hander Al Reyes on a minor league contract. The Tampa Bay Rays released Reyes on Monday. … The St. Louis Cardinals decided to plug Adam Wainwright into their rotation instead of as the fill-in closer, and will give him a start Friday against the Atlanta Braves. … The Washington Nationals acquired shortstop Anderson Hernandez from the Mets, completing Sunday’s trade that sent right-hander Luis Ayala to the Mets. … Cardinals pitcher Kyle Lohse was suspended five games for throwing a fastball past the head of Cincinnati pitcher Edinson Volquez last weekend. Lohse appealed the penalty. … Tests show Atlanta pitcher Tom Glavine has no ligament damage in his left elbow, leaving open the possibility he could return next season. … The Houston Astros claimed infielder Jose Castillo on outright waivers from the San Francisco Giants.