MLB: Zack Greinke’s scoreless streak snapped by the New York Mets
Zack Greinke’s shutout streak for the Los Angeles Dodgers is over after the New York Mets scored against him on a grounder by opposing pitcher Jacob deGrom.
Greinke retired his first six batters Sunday in New York, extending his scoreless streak to 45 2/3 innings – longest in the majors since Orel Hershiser set the big-league record with 59 for the Dodgers in 1988. But the right-hander hit Kirk Nieuwenhuis with a pitch leading off the third, and Kevin Plawecki singled.
Nieuwenhuis went to third when rookie center fielder Joc Pederson fumbled the ball for an error, putting runners at the corners with none out. Greinke got ahead 0-2 on deGrom, who hit a bouncer to first base. Adrian Gonzalez threw home, but Nieuwenhuis slid in safely.
Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal signaled to the bench for a review, but replays showed Nieuwenhuis beat the tag and Los Angeles did not challenge. The play was scored a fielder’s choice, and Greinke showed little emotion as he waited for a moment near the mound.
Despite the error, the run was earned because Curtis Granderson followed with a fly to right field that presumably could have scored Nieuwenhuis. Greinke got out of the inning without any further damage.
It was the first run Greinke had allowed in seven starts since June 13 at San Diego. He did give up a leadoff homer to A.L. MVP Mike Trout in the All-Star Game on July 14.
The Mets won Sunday, 3-2 in 10 innings.
Royals bolster staff with Cueto
The Kansas City Royals acquired Johnny Cueto in a trade with Cincinnati, sending three prospects to the Reds for a legitimate ace for the front of their beleaguered rotation.
Kansas City has the best record in the A.L. after it lost to San Francisco in Game 7 of the World Series last October. But Yordano Ventura has underperformed and Jason Vargas will miss the rest of the season after he injured his elbow last week – increasing the need for pitching help.
The Royals last won the title in 1985, and the trade was greeted with a loud ovation when it was announced during the third inning of Kansas City’s home game against Houston.
Cueto, who is eligible for free agency after the season, had spent his entire career with Cincinnati. But the fourth-place Reds are looking to the future and could trade several more significant pieces before Friday’s non-waiver deadline, including right-hander Mike Leake and All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman.
Cincinnati got minor league left-handers Brandon Finnegan, John Lamb and Cody Reed in the trade for one of the top starters on the market. The Reds also are sending money to help pay Cueto’s remaining salary for the year.
Cueto, 29, won 20 games last season and is 7-6 with a 2.62 ERA in 19 starts this year.
The right-hander made his major league debut with Cincinnati in 2008 and is 92-63 with a 3.21 ERA in eight seasons.