TIGERS
Avila doubtful
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila remained sidelined by concussion-like symptoms Friday, and Manager Brad Ausmus said he was uncertain when the veteran backstop will be able to return to the lineup.
Rookie catcher James McCann started in Avila's place as Detroit began a crucial three-game series against the Royals, who were a half-game back in the American League Central.
" 'Concussion' is kind of tough to empirically define," Ausmus said, "but he's showing after-effects of a concussion. Until he goes through activities without any side effects, we probably won't be able to use him."
Avila took a foul ball off his mask two weeks ago in Cleveland and didn't catch the next four games. He then left Sunday's game against the Indians with some light-headedness.
Avila tried to work out the past two days, hitting in the cage, but the symptoms returned.
"He called it 'disorientating,' " said Ausmus, a former catcher.
Avila is hitting just .223 with 11 home runs and 47 RBI, but his loss is costly considering the circumstances. The Tigers only have two other catchers on the roster in McCann and Bryan Holaday, though designated hitter Victor Martinez has spent most of his career as a catcher.
Ausmus elected to go with McCann, who has played in just five big league games, for the series opener in Kansas City because the Friday night game will be followed by an early afternoon game today. Holaday is expected to get the start in that game.
McCann was 0 for 5 with the Tigers, but he hit .295 with Class AAA Toledo this season. He's also fared well against left-handers, and the Royals were starting lefty Jason Vargas.
"I think he understands the enormity of this game," Ausmus said.
In a bit of positive news, right-hander Anibal Sanchez felt good after throwing a bullpen session during the Tigers' day off Thursday. He's expected to throw a simulated game Sunday as he continues to recover from a strained right chest muscle.
Ausmus wouldn't say whether there is a chance Sanchez could pitch before a potential playoff game. Sanchez has been replaced by rookie Kyle Lobstein in the rotation and that spot would be due to start Sept. 27 -- the penultimate game of the regular season.
DODGERS
Ryu anxious to play
CHICAGO -- Hyun-Jin Ryu is trying to get back on the mound as soon as possible.
If that happens to be in a playoff game for the Los Angeles Dodgers, so be it.
Ryu had a cortisone shot Monday to address inflammation in his shoulder and hopes to begin a throwing program this weekend. The 27-year-old left-hander was removed from his start last Friday at San Francisco after just one inning.
"I feel a lot better than when I first felt the pain, obviously," Ryu said before Los Angeles' game at Wrigley Field on Friday. "Just preparing to come back soon, this is my goal."
Ryu is a key part of the rotation for Los Angeles, which is looking for its second consecutive NL West title.
Ryu is 14-7 with a 3.38 ERA in 26 starts after he won 14 games in his first season a year ago. Manager Don Mattingly said it's too early to tell when Ryu might return to the rotation. The pitcher said he will be just fine if his next start comes in the playoffs.
WHITE SOX
Konerko back in lineup
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko is back in the starting lineup after being out since early September because of a broken left hand.
Konerko was scheduled to hit sixth in Friday night's game at Tampa Bay. He hurt the hand in a game Sept. 2 against Minnesota.
Konerko is retiring after this season, his 18th in the big leagues. The White Sox will honor him during a pregame ceremony Sept. 27.
BRAVES
Heyward sits out
ATLANTA -- Atlanta Braves right fielder Jason Heyward has a brace on his bruised left thumb and was out of Friday's lineup against the New York Mets.
Heyward was injured Wednesday while getting hit by a pitch from Washington's Ross Detwiler. He stayed in the game two innings after getting hit before leaving.
He's received treatment the last two days. X-rays taken on Heyward's hand were negative.
Atlanta Manager Fredi Gonzalez said Heyward, a 2012 Gold Glove winner who throws with his right hand, could be available to help defensively in late innings.
Ryan Doumit started in his place.
Also, Braves catcher Evan Gattis missed his 10th consecutive game Friday as he recovers from strep throat and a kidney stone.
MARLINS
Fernandez OK to throw
MIAMI -- Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez has been cleared to start throwing Oct. 1.
The 2013 National League Rookie of the Year had season-ending Tommy John surgery May 16.
"I'm feeling great," Fernandez said. "I'm feeling like I didn't have the surgery, so I think that's good news."
There is not a timetable for his return to game action.
However, the 22-year-old pitcher did say he would like for his return to be at Marlins Park where he is 9-0 with a 1.19 ERA in 15 career starts.
He plans on throwing either at 30 or 45 feet for three to four minutes during the Oct. 1 throwing session, but does not anticipate expediting the process for a return.
"I've got to be really smart about how I'm going to approach this and be really careful because I don't want to come back for three months, I want to come back for 13, 14 more years that I want to play in the Big Leagues," Fernandez said.
Fernandez is 12-6 with a 2.19 ERA in 28 career starts. He has 187 strikeout in 172 2/3 innings.
Sports on 09/20/2014