Braves
Manager Fredi Gonzalez said he thought the fuss over Bryce Harper scuffing the “A” in the dirt behind home plate with his cleat last week was “silly.” The Braves’ official Twitter account posted during the game: (hash)RespectTheA. Harper crossed the “A” by walking behind the umpire to the left-handed batter’s box. On Sunday night, he took a more direct route to the box by walking in front of catcher Gerald Laird. Even so, Harper was booed by Braves fans before every at-bat. He was 0 for 4.
Marlins
Hard-throwing RHP Carter Capps, who has been out since May 25 with a right elbow sprain, could make his return to the team as early as September. “He’s feeling good and from what I’ve heard, everything is going great, he’s feeling great,” manager Mike Redmond said. … Steve Cishek became only the third pitcher in Marlins history to record back-to-back 30-save seasons, joining Juan Carlos Oviedo (2010-11) and Robb Nenn (1996-97). … Todd Frazier has been struggling at the plate since reaching the finals of the All-Star game Home Run Derby. He said he doesn’t feel the skills competition affected his swing. “If I was struggling I might think that,” Frazier said. “Home runs come in bunches. I might hit three or four in a week. In Double-A in 2010 I went my first 115 at-bats without a home run and ended up with 17.”
Mets
Jacob deGrom, 26, was placed on the 15-day DL with right rotator cuff tendinitis. For now, deGrom will be sidelined for just two starts. He will rest and take anti-inflammatory medication, a relatively encouraging development since rotator-cuff injuries are considered among the most serious for pitchers. “That’s about as good as you can hope for, that that was all it was going to be,” manager Terry Collins said. “It’s a good step for him, given him a little down time to get some energy and strength back in his arm.” DeGrom is 6-5 with a 2.87 ERA in 16 starts.
Nationals
OF Steven Souza (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day DL. OF Michael Taylor was called up from Triple-A Syracuse. … Ian Desmond hit his 20th home run, the third straight year he’s reached the mark. He connected as the Nats hit three homers in an inning last week for the first time since Sept. 5, 2012.
Phillies
Former Phillies catcher Darren Daulton was treated and released from a nearby hospital last week after falling ill at Citizens Bank Park. Daulton, who was diagnosed with brain cancer last year, participated in the team’s alumni weekend. … Prized prospect Jesse Biddle made his second start for Class-A Clearwater since being shut down for a mental break on June 23. Biddle was the first-round pick in 2010 for the Phillies.
Compiled by Rick Crotts from wire reports.
