ST. LOUIS — Matt Holliday said he’s closer to returning to the Cardinals’ lineup.
The cleanup hitter played catch and ran a few sprints Tuesday, four days after having an appendectomy. Holliday assumes he will be on a 10-game West Coast trip that starts Friday. Holliday said the big test will be swinging a bat and he might try that today.
Stanton sidelined
MIAMI — Marlins slugger Mike Stanton will likely remain out of the starting lineup until at least Friday because of a slight strain in his left hamstring, but he will not go on the disabled list, the team said.
Rodney loses closer role
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Angels right-hander Fernando Rodney has been dropped from the closer role to work on his mechanics. Jordan Walden will fill in for Rodney.
Bautista out
TORONTO — Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista is out of the lineup because of a personal matter and likely will return Friday.
The Associated Press
