The Indians manager Terry Francona will miss her series against the Pirates to undergo surgery for gastrointestinal problems, Paul Hoynes of cleveland.com relays. Bench coach Sandy Alomar manages the team in Francona’s absence. This is the second procedure Francona underwent last month to address the issue. MLBTR wishes him a speedy recovery and hopes to see him back in the Cleveland dugout as soon as possible.
- Wounded Rays right hand Charlie Morton came out of an “intense bullpen session” unmanned, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times writes. It is possible that Morton will return this weekend after he went to the injured list on August 10 with shoulder inflammation. That went on with a disappointing opening of the season for Morton, who struggled through his first four starters. Meanwhile relief Oliver Drake will start a throw program as he works back from the right biceps tendinitis that forced him to the IL on August 9th. However, there is no word on a potential return.
- Braves manager Brian Snitker declared Tuesday that left-handed trader Cole Hamels is still “a few ways” to throw down a mound, Mark Bowman of MLB.com tweets. The Braves remain hopeful that Hamels will pitcher this year, but time is obviously of the essence with the regular season due to end of September. Hamels was a headline-grabbing offseason signing for the Braves, but the injury to the triceps he treated could stop the waiting free agent from ever turning up for them.
- Phillies center fielder Roman Quinn received clearance on Tuesday to leave the COVID-19 injured list, Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Enquirer was among those to report. Quinn went to the IL last weekend after having mild symptoms, although he did not test positive for the virus at the time. His last test came back negative, allowing him to rejoin the team.
- De White Sox are hopeful that catcher Yasmani Grandal will return “at the end of the week,” according to manager Rick Renteria (via Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times). Grandal went out of the team game on Monday with a stiff back.
