MLB | Rays officially announce James Loney deal

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Rays officially announce James Loney deal

Rays re-signed 1B James Loney to a three-year, $21 million contract.

The deal was agreed to last month and has now become official. Loney earned the big new contract after hitting .299/.348/.430 with 13 home runs and 75 RBI while playing Gold Glove-caliber defense for the Rays last season. His offense figures to take a step back in 2014.

Fri, Jan 3, 2014 04:05:00 PM

Richards (elbow) to face hitters Wednesday

Garrett Richards (elbow) is slated to face live hitters on Wednesday.

Assuming all goes well, Richards will make his first appearance in the instructional league next Monday. The 28-year-old was diagnosed with a torn right ulnar collateral ligament back in May, but he decided to undergo stem cell treatments in hopes of avoiding Tommy John surgery.

Source: Pedro Moura on Twitter

Sep 26 - 7:31 PM

Diaz away from Cards after Fernandez's death

Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said that Aledmys Diaz traveled to Miami on Monday to be with family and close friends following the tragic passing of Jose Fernandez.

Diaz was childhood friends and neighbors with Fernandez, who was killed early Sunday morning in a boating accident. "That was a place he needed to be today," said Matheny.

Source: Chris Hrabe on Twitter

Sep 26 - 7:10 PM

Matt Carpenter dealing with injury to finger

Matt Carpenter has been dealing with an issue to his right ring finger.

That explains his absence from Monday's lineup. It's apparently been a lingering issue, so the hope is that the rest will improve his symptoms. Not ideal with the Cardinals fighting to stay in the race. Greg Garcia will start at second base and bat leadoff Monday.

Source: J.J. Bailey on Twitter

Sep 26 - 6:57 PM

Masahiro Tanaka (forearm) could be shut down

Masahiro Tanaka (forearm) will see Dr. Christopher Ahmad in New York on Tuesday to determine whether he can make another start before the end of the season.

Tanaka was scratched from Monday's start against the Blue Jays due to a mild forearm strain. His status up in the air, especially with the Yankees on the verge of being eliminated from playoff contention. There should be more clarity on his status in the next day or so.

Source: The Journal News

Sep 26 - 6:55 PM

Nelson Cruz sent for MRI on left wrist

Nelson Cruz was sent for an MRI on his left wrist on Monday.

The results aren't yet known, but Cruz is in the lineup at designated hitter for Monday's game against the Astros. He plans to play no matter what, but look for him to cut back on pregame hitting work in an effort to protect the wrist.

Source: Ryan Divish on Twitter

Sep 26 - 5:18 PM

Bregman (hamstring) not ruled out from return

Astros manager A.J. Hinch hasn't ruled out Alex Bregman (hamstring) from returning this week.

It was previously thought that Bregman was unlikely to return unless the Astros made a deep run into the playoffs, but he was able to make it through a full workout on Monday. If anything, he could get some peace of mind going into the winter. The outstanding rookie has been out since September 14 with a hamstring strain.

Source: Brian McTaggart on Twitter

Sep 26 - 5:16 PM

Danny Salazar (forearm) throws off mound

Danny Salazar (forearm) threw 20-plus pitches off the mound on Monday.

Salazar threw all fastballs at about 75 percent intensity, but it was a step in the right direction. Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway said "it would be nice" to get him a relief appearance before the playoffs, though it's unclear whether he'll have enough time to do so.

Source: Jordan Bastian on Twitter

Sep 26 - 5:13 PM

Osuna, Benoit expected to get night off Mon.

Roberto Osuna and Joaquin Benoit are expected to get the day off Monday.

Osuna has thrown 38 pitches over the past two days (including his blown save on Sunday) while Benoit threw 24 pitches on Sunday. Jason Grilli would likely get a save chance if needed Monday versus the Yankees.

Source: Ben Nicholson-Smith

Sep 26 - 4:44 PM

Castellanos (hand) could return this weekend

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said Monday that Nick Castellanos (hand) could return by the weekend.

Castellanos has been sidelined since August 6 with a fractured hand, but he was slated to play in an instructional league game on Monday. Barring any setbacks, he appears to be the verge of a return. The 24-year-old was batting .286 with 18 homers and an .831 OPS in 105 games prior to the injury.

Source: Anthony Fenech on Twitter

Sep 26 - 4:38 PM

Gregory Polanco (face) out again Monday

Gregory Polanco (face) is out of the Pirates' lineup again Monday against the Cubs.

Polanco hasn't played since he suffered a left facial contusion when he collided face-first into the left field on Friday. It's unclear when he'll be ready to return to action. Josh Bell is starting in right field on Monday while John Jaso will play first base.

Source: Pittsburgh Pirates on Twitter

Sep 26 - 4:34 PM

Marte (back) remains out of Pirates' lineup

Starling Marte (back) remains out of the Pirates' lineup Monday versus the Cubs.

Marte hasn't played since Thursday due to nagging back spasms. He's iffy for the final week, so fantasy owners should have a backup plan at the ready. Adam Frazier will make the start in left field and bat seventh against Kyle Hendricks.

Source: Pittsburgh Pirates on Twitter

Sep 26 - 4:30 PM