LEADING OFF: Surgery for Cespedes? Brewers lose another SP
A look at what's happening around the majors Tuesday:
YO, YOU GOOD?
Yoenis Cespedes and the Mets are awaiting a report and recommendation from doctors after the slugger had an MRI on both feet Monday. Cespedes may need surgery to address calcification on both heels that has bothered him for 15 years, and he said recently that surgery would sideline him for 8-to-10 months. ''I guess what we're looking to find out is if it has progressed to the point where it's something that cannot be managed with the conservative treatment that we've been using,'' Mets assistant general manager John Ricco said.
Ricco said the Mets were aware of the foot problem when they acquired Cespedes from Detroit in July 2015. The 32-year-old has been treated with anti-inflammatory medication, stretching exercises and orthotics.
SOMETHING BREWING?
The Brewers were already rumored to be shopping ahead of the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline before starting pitcher Brent Suter said Monday he would need season-ending Tommy John surgery. The left-hander exited a start Sunday and was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament a day later, ending his season after a career-high 101 1/3 innings. He was 8-7 with a 4.80 ERA in 20 appearances, including 18 starts.
Milwaukee has already been without ace Jimmy Nelson all season, while Zach Davies and Junior Guerra are also on the DL, though both are expected to return soon. Manager Craig Counsell says he's confident in the five guys the Brewers have on-hand, but an arm might help Milwaukee as it chases the Cubs in the NL Central.
BIEBER VS BUCCOS
The Pirates offense is rolling, and Cleveland will ask rookie Shane Bieber to slow Pittsburgh's roll. The Bucs have averaged 6.4 runs per game while winning 10 straight, including seven in four innings against Indians ace Corey Kluber in the series opener Monday. Bieber (5-1, 3.53) ranks among the game's top rookies, though his ERA has risen by more than a run over his past four three starts.
BACK AT THE START
Kenta Maeda and Aaron Nola both return to the rotation after making their previous appearances out of the bullpen. The Dodgers' Maeda (7-5, 3.12) is coming off an unusual relief appearance July 15, facing two batters in the last game before the All-Star break to get a little work before an extended rest period. Meanwhile, Phillies ace Nola (12-3, 2.30) struck out two in a scoreless relief inning at the All-Star Game. He has allowed two-or-fewer runs in five straight starts.
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