MLB notebook: Dodgers to extend netting

[June 25, 2019]  One day after a fan a Dodger Stadium got hit in the head by a foul ball, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced Monday that they would extend the protective netting further down the foul lines.

The Dodgers issued a press release that read, "Fan safety is of the utmost importance to the Dodgers and during the offseason, we began the process of studying how the netting at Dodger Stadium could be configured to provide better protection for our fans. Once this study is completed, the team will implement the recommended changes and extend the netting at Dodger Stadium."

Asked whether the addition would occur this season, Dodgers team president and CEO Stan Kasten told the Orange County Register, "I can't say that for sure, although I think it's likely. For sure, something is going to be done. As for the exact timing, I don't know that yet."

The women who was struck Sunday at Dodger Stadium stayed briefly at the game, given an ice pack to put on her head, but she later left to seek additional medical attention, according to multiple media reports.

--St. Louis Cardinals right-handed closer Jordan Hicks was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow.

The severity of the injury was determined in an MRI exam. The Cardinals said the team is still determining the "next course of action." Hicks sustained the injury Saturday when he was removed after striking out a batter on the ninth inning.
 

A torn UCL typically leads to Tommy John surgery. Regardless, the injury will likely be season ending. The 22-year-old Hicks, who regularly throws pitches upwards of 100 mph, is 2-2 with a 3.14 ERA and 14 saves in 29 appearances this season.

--New York Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon called Newsday reporter Tim Healey "to apologize on behalf of the organization" for Sunday's clubhouse confrontation between manager Mickey Callaway, pitcher Jason Vargas and Healey.

"The Mets sincerely regret the incident that took place with one of our beat writers following today's game in the clubhouse," the team said in a statement. "We do not condone this type of behavior from any employee. The organization has reached out and apologized to this reporter and will have further discussions internally with all involved parties."

General manager Brodie Van Wagenen said the team issued fines to Callaway and Vargas. Van Wagenen called the altercation "regrettable on many levels" and "disappointing." Callaway also issued a public apology.

President and CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers Stan Kasten poses for the camera during a news conference with newly acquired Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Josh Beckett, infielder Nick Punto, and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez after the MLB baseball game against the Miami Marlins in Los Angeles August 25, 2012. REUTERS/Danny Moloshok

--Texas third baseman Asdrubal Cabrera had his suspension reduced from four games to three and will begin serving it Tuesday when the Rangers visit the Detroit Tigers.

Cabrera received the punishment for throwing equipment -- batting gloves and shin guards -- after he was ejected during the sixth inning of a game against the Cleveland Indians last Thursday. The items hit the feet of umpire Bill Miller and Rangers manager Chris Woodward, who were discussing why Cabrera was ejected.

The incident began after Cabrera was called out on strikes. He went to view video of the pitch, and from the dugout, yelled his displeasure about the calls, earning the ejection.

--No. 1 overall draft pick Adley Rutschman signed with the Baltimore Orioles, receiving a majors-record $8.1 million signing bonus, according to MLB.com.

The All-America catcher's bonus eclipsed the $8 million Gerrit Cole received to sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011.

Rutschman batted .411, slugged .751 and recorded a .575 on-base percentage this season for Oregon State. He won the Golden Spikes Award and the Dick Howser Trophy, both awarded to the nation's top player.

--The Chicago White Sox reinstated outfielder Jon Jay from the 60-day injured list. He started the Monday night game in Boston as the right fielder and batted sixth.

In a corresponding move, the team designated Odrisamer Despaigne for assignment. The 32-year-old right-hander was 0-2 with a 9.45 ERA in three starts.

Jay, 34, had been out since spring training due to a strained right hip. The White Sox signed the veteran to a one-year contract on Jan. 10.

--Field Level Media

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