PLAYING TIME: Bautista, Votto to DL, Axford out as closer

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Bautista suffers wrist injury

José Bautista (OF, TOR) was forced to leave the July 16 game due to a wrist injury, and was placed on the 15-day disabled list.  Ben Francisco (OF, TOR) took over in right field, and got another start there the next night, against a left-handed starter. Since returning from a hamstring injury June 25, Francisco has been limited to just 14 at-bats, but should be able to find more playing time now.  It is unclear how large his role will be initially, but it's worth noting that his career splits are nearly identical.  Against right-handers, Francisco has posted a .755 OPS and a home run every 31.3 at-bats, while vs left-handers, he has a .769 OPS and a home run every 30.1 at-bats.  Prior...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Today

A trio of free-agent signings, including Tatsuya Iami, Kazuma Okamoto and Tyler Mahle, alter playing-time landscapes in Houston, Toronto and San Francisco.
Jan 7 2026 8:37am
Zach Eflin back in BAL; possible closers Fairbanks and Yates find new teams; Cincy adds outfielders and more.
Dec 31 2025 9:02am
Boston swings a deal for a right-handed lineup stalwart; McNeil, O'Hearn, Refsnyder on the move, and more.
Dec 24 2025 9:30am
Shane Baz slots into the Baltimore rotation; the Rays, Pirates and Astros swing a three-way deal, a couple big signings in San Diego, and more.
Dec 22 2025 9:06am
Ha-Seong Kim's bet on himself pays off and he takes over SS for the Braves. Plus new homes for Adolis García, Adrian Houser, Josh Bell and more.
Dec 17 2025 8:44am

Tools