LEADING OFF: Struggling Padres face Braves, Buxton OK
A look at what's happening around baseball Sunday:
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FLOUNDERING FATHERS
The Padres' hopes of shaking off a disappointing 2021 aren't off to a great start — San Diego has lost four of five heading into a series finale against the World Series champion Braves.
After pitching six no-hit innings on opening day, Yu Darvish (0-1, 10.75) was torched by the Giants in his last start, allowing nine runs in 1 2/3 innings. He'll face right-hander Bryce Elder (1-0, 4.76), making his second big league start.
GOOD NEWS
The Twins breathed a sigh of relief Saturday when an MRI on Byron Buxton’s injured right knee didn’t find any structural issues.
Manager Rocco Baldelli said that a team doctor would examine Buxton but that for now the Twins anticipate he’ll be traveling with the team for the next series at Kansas City, which begins Tuesday.
Buxton left in the first inning of Minnesota’s series-opening 8-4 win over Boston on Friday night after sliding roughly into second base. His left leg appeared to get caught underneath him while his right foot slammed into the bag.
BRASH START
Mariners rookie right-hander Matt Brash faces Houston for his second start after an impressive debut against the White Sox.
The 23-year-old skipped Triple-A to crack Seattle's opening day roster, and he showed off a pair of overpowering breaking balls in his first start against Chicago. He struck out six over 5 1/3 innings, limiting the defending AL Central champs to two runs on four hits.
Houston will be without All-Star closer Ryan Pressly, who went on the 10-day IL on Saturday due to inflammation in his right knee.
MOTOWN BLUES
Injuries are piling up for the Detroit Tigers just over a week into the season. Shortstop Javier Báez was added to the 10-day injured list Saturday with a sore right thumb. He joins right-hander Casey Mize, who is sidelined by a sprained right elbow.
Another right-handed starter, Matt Manning, was pulled from Saturday's game against Kansas City with right shoulder discomfort.
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