Ramon

Vazquez

Joyce adds that former Pirates skipper Derek Shelton and Red Sox bench coach Ramón Vazquez are two additional names that surfaced as potential candidates to replace Rocco Baldelli, who was fired at the end of the regular season following an ugly 70-92 campaign. Rowson has spent the last two seasons as New York’s hitting coach with the Yankees leading the majors this past season in runs scored (849), home runs (274) and OPS (.787).

The former MLB middle infielder has been coaching alongside Alex Cora since 2018 and has served as the bench coach for the Red Sox since 2023. Cora has spoken glowingly of Vazquez in the past and claimed that he was ready for a managerial role, so perhaps this offseason will be his time.

The plan is to sit Greene versus the league’s toughest right-handers. Jeff Weaver starts tonight. Seriously.

Yesterday, the Padres pushed back Vazquez’s return 7-10 more days. It was his third postponement since he was eligible to come off the DL. “It got better, but it’s painful,” Vazquez said after taking ground balls. “It bothers me most when I’m running straight ahead.”

Vazquez could be ready in a couple of days.

Vazquez has been out since June 1 with an abdominal strain. Donaldo Mendez has filled in capably in Vazquez’s absence, posting a .270 average and 804 OPS, but could be sent down to make room when Vazquez returns.

Vazquez had a good run as the leadoff hitter before he got hurt, but manager Bruce Bochy plans to bat him sixth or seventh upon his return.

The Indians felt they needed an extra infielder after Joe Inglett hurt his foot last night. Vazquez won’t have any fantasy value while being used as a utilityman.

Vazquez isn’t suffering at the plate, going 10-for-25 since returning. But his defense has suffered, and his range doesn’t appear to be what it was. He may have lost something on his first step.

The Indians could have optioned Vazquez down again, but at this point, they’re just hoping to clear his salary from the books. He’s due about $200,000 over the rest of the season.