MLB notebook: Scioscia denies planning to step down

[August 06, 2018]  Mike Scioscia, the sixth-longest tenured manager in major league history, denied a report he has made up his mind to step down from the Los Angeles Angels at the end of the season.

Scioscia said that he'll talk to general manager Billy Eppler and owner Arte Moreno after the season, as he'd previously indicated after last season ended.

"Nothing has changed since we talked last October," Scioscia said to the Orange County Register on Sunday morning. "That's the best way I can put it. There's always chatter out there. The only word I have is poppycock. That's all it is."

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported on Saturday that Scioscia had decided not to pursue a new contract as his 10-year, $50 million contract winds down. Scioscia, 59, is in his 19th season leading the Angels, the longest tenure for an big league manager with one team since Bobby Cox led the Atlanta Braves for 21 straight years.

--The Houston Astros placed right-hander Lance McCullers on the 10-day disabled list, one day after he departed a start against the Los Angeles Dodgers due to elbow pain.

Right-handed reliever Roberto Osuna was reinstated off the restricted list in a corresponding move. Osuna was serving a 75-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy.

McCullers left Saturday's game after tossing some warmup pitches in the bottom of the fifth inning. He traveled from Los Angeles to Houston to have the elbow examined on Sunday.

When Osuna joined the Astros, he held a closed-door meeting with his new teammates. Osuna still faces a Sept. 5 court date in Toronto on a domestic assault charge.

--Despite a nightmarish season for Mickey Callaway, the New York Mets expect to retain the rookie manager for next season, Newsday reported.

A source told the newspaper that even if the team hired a new general manager for 2019, Callaway is believed to be sticking around for a second season as skipper.

The Mets inked Callaway, 43, to a three-year deal last fall after he spent the previous five seasons as the Cleveland Indians' pitching coach. His contract includes a club option for 2021. The Mets are 45-64 this year.

--Shawn Kelley, designated for assignment by the Washington Nationals last week under contentious circumstances, was dealt to the Oakland A's. The Athletics received the right-handed reliever and cash considerations from the Nationals in exchange for international slot money.

Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia (14) looks on from the dugout in the second inning during a game against the Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) looks on in the background. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Kelley, 1-0 with a 3.34 ERA in 35 games this season, was removed from Washington's roster on Wednesday, one day after throwing a tirade in the final inning of a 25-4 victory over the New York Mets.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo criticized Kelley for being "in the way" of team unity, but Kelley's agent maintained that the reliever was mad at the umpires, not the club.

--The St. Louis Cardinals acquired right-hander Tyson Ross off waivers from the San Diego Padres.

Ross will join the team in Miami in time for a series against the Marlins next week, the Cardinals announced. Ross, 31, has started 22 games for the Padres this season, going 6-9 with a 4.45 ERA. He will be a free agent after the season.

--The Milwaukee Brewers picked up right-hander Jordan Lyles off waivers from the Padres.

Lyles, 27, is 2-4 with a 4.29 ERA in 24 appearances (eight starts) this season. He is signed through 2019 and scheduled to earn $1 million next season.

--Angels center fielder Mike Trout sat out the series finale against the Cleveland Indians, the fourth straight game he was sidelined.

Trout is bothered by a sore right wrist that leaves him unable to bat. He sustained the injury Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Scioscia said the injury doesn't prevent Trout from throwing. Trout underwent an MRI exam on Thursday that displayed inflammation but no ligament or bone damage.

--Field Level Media

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