MLB Notes: Braves SS Erick Aybar Out After Getting Chicken Bone Stuck in Throat

PITTSBURGH -- The Atlanta Braves removed infielder Erick Aybar from the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates after getting a chicken bone stuck in his throat.

Manager Brian Snitker said Aybar arrived at PNC Park Thursday afternoon in discomfort and was taken to the hospital to have the bone removed. Aybar was initially scheduled to start at shortstop. He was replaced by Daniel Castro. The 32-year-old Aybar is hitting .174 in 38 games this season for Atlanta.

Rockies: Reyes prepares for return from suspension
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Jose Reyes took the last of his dozen-or-so swings, stepped out of the batting cage and did a little dance to the beat of the music playing from a small radio in the grass near his feet.

Contrite but happy to be back on a baseball field, Colorado's All-Star shortstop worked out at the Rockies' spring training facility on Thursday, his first step in returning from a 59-day suspension for violating Major League Baseball's new domestic violence policy.

"It's good to be on the field and put that stuff behind me," Reyes said. "I'm sorry. I made a mistake and will stand here like a man. I just have to try to be a better man, a better husband,” (see full story).

MLB: Science may be behind increased drug positives
NEW YORK -- Improved science could be a reason behind baseball's increase in positive drug tests.

There have been eight suspensions announced this year under the major league program for positive tests for performance-enhancing drugs, one more than in all of 2015, and reigning NL batting champion Dee Gordon of the Miami Marlins was among those penalized. There were just two in 2014 and none in 2013.

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"The windows of detection on certain substances have been lengthened," baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said Thursday after a quarterly owners meeting. "That may be one on explanation for what we're seeing,” (see full story).

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