Pitcher Dealing With Knee Soreness After Mound Slip

A relief pitcher is managing left knee soreness after slipping on the mound during a recent appearance. The soreness stems from a hyperextension that occurred on his first warm-up pitch in Sunday's game. The pitcher's sinker velocity dropped 1-2 miles per hour below his May average, and his slider lacked its usual movement, allowing two hits.

He threw on flat ground Wednesday while monitored by medical staff.

"There's a little something going on with Whit," said interim manager Chad Tracy. Imaging showed no structural damage. The pitcher stated that soreness remains but has improved slightly over the past three days. Availability is assessed daily, with the goal of avoiding an injured-list placement.

A switch-hitting player has started behind the plate for the second consecutive game. Officials cited defensive improvements in receiving, throwing, and blocking as the reason for the increased playing time. The team currently carries three catchers. Daily decisions will determine how playing time is allocated among them based on matchups and pitcher needs.

The MLB Players Association sent economic proposals to Major League Baseball to begin negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement. The proposals include adjustments to media revenue sharing, minimum salary increases, expanded arbitration and free-agency eligibility, and a new tax on clubs below minimum payroll thresholds. The current agreement expires in December.