Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Pittsburgh’s Derek Shelton staged baseball’s first major, socially distanced umpire argument, then got his first victory as a big league manager as the Pirates beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-1. Shelton came out to argue with plate umpire Jordan Baker in the third inning after pitcher Derek Holland was ejected from the dugout for arguing balls and strikes. Shelton pulled a gaiter over his face as he left the dugout, and Baker pulled a face mask out of his pocket and held it to his face as Shelton argued from about six feet away. Baker let Shelton say his peace, and the first-year skipper was not ejected.
CLEVELAND (AP) — Carlos Carrasco struck out 10 and won his first start since being stricken with leukemia last year, leading the Cleveland Indians to a 9-2 win over the Kansas City Royals. Carrasco hadn’t started since May 30, 2019, only days before he was diagnosed with cancer. The right-hander allowed two runs and five hits in 6 1/3 innings. José Ramírez homered twice, drove in four runs and scored four as Cleveland won two of three in the series. Kansas City manager Mike Matheny used his bullpen because he’s missing two starters who tested positive for coronavirus.
HOUSTON (AP) — Reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander has a strained right forearm and will be shut down for at least two weeks. Astros manager Dusty Baker made the announcement on Sunday but denied a report that said the injury would end Verlander’s season. He said Verlander would be evaluated after two weeks. Baker said Verlander felt “tenderness” in his arm during his start on Friday, where he pitched six innings and got the win.
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Texas Rangers right-hander Corey Kluber left his first start in almost 15 months after just one inning Sunday due to shoulder tightness. The two-time Cy Young Award winner threw 18 pitches while facing three batters. Colorado’s Trevor Story walked and was thrown out trying to steal. The Rangers said the 34-year-old Kluber reported feeling the tightness in the first few pitches and it got worse as the inning progressed.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — The NBA says Los Angeles Clippers guard Lou Williams is being quarantined for 10 days because of his trip out of the league’s bubble last week to attend a family member’s funeral. He will miss at least two of the Clippers’ seeding games, including their July 30 opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s possible he could miss more than two since his likely release will be Aug. 4, the day of the Clippers’ third seeding game.