WASHINGTON -- The Nationals planned to recall top prospect Lucas Giolito to make his major league debut Tuesday against the New York Mets.
The No. 16 pick in the 2012 amateur draft, Giolito is 5-3 with a 3.17 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 71 innings at Double-A Harrisburg this season. The 21-year-old right-hander is ranked the No. 1 prospect in the Nationals' organization by Baseball America.
"He's ready for the task," manager Dusty Baker said Monday.
A spot opened in Washington's rotation when right-hander Stephen Strasburg was placed on the disabled list Sunday because of an upper back strain. Strasburg was scratched from his last two starts and underwent an MRI exam Monday.
Baker wasn't sure Giolito would remain with the Nationals for as long as Strasburg is sidelined (see full story).
Blue Jays: Tulowitzki returns to Colorado
DENVER -- Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki returned to Coors Field saying he is "in a good place" 11 months after being traded by the Colorado Rockies.
Tulowitzki was in Denver on Monday for a three-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays, the team that acquired him from the Rockies last July 27. He greeted his old Colorado teammates during batting practice and had a warm embrace with Rockies' rookie shortstop Trevor Story, who has succeeded him in the field and with the fans.
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Tulowitzki said he is not bitter despite being unhappy about how the trade transpired last summer.
Tulowitzki played 10 years with the Rockies and helped lead them to the 2007 World Series as a rookie. He hit .299 with 188 home runs in Colorado but his time with the organization was marked by injury. He spent significant time on the disabled list in 2012 and 2014 (see full story).
Yankees: Rodriguez 'surprised' to be out of lineup again
NEW YORK -- Yankees star Alex Rodriguez says he is "surprised" he is out of the lineup for the second day in a row.
Rodriguez was on the bench Monday night when New York played Texas. Yankees manager Joe Girardi says "this was not an overnight decision."
Rodriguez, who turns 41 next month, is batting .223 with eight homers and 26 RBIs in 44 games as a designated hitter.
"Not good, not great," Rodriguez admitted (see full story).
Braves: Gant leaves game with oblique strain
ATLANTA -- Braves rookie right-hander John Gant left Monday night's game against the Cleveland Indians with a left oblique strain.
After giving up a single to Chris Gimenez in the third inning, Gant grabbed his left side near his ribs after throwing a pitch to Indians pitcher Trevor Bauer. Assistant trainer Jim Lovell and interim manager Brian Snitker joined Gant on the mound. Gant left with Lovell after throwing a warm-up pitch.
Rookie Tyrell Jenkins replaced Gant with the Indians leading 1-0.
The Braves said Gant's status will be reassessed Tuesday.
