Zimmermann to Miss Most of Tigers’ 2020 Season – Monday Sports Wrap

MLB

Matthew Boyd will be the Detroit Tigers starting pitcher when they open the COVID-19-abbreviated season Friday at Cincinnati. Manager Ron Gardenhire confirmed the news yesterday.

Pregame coverage of the Tigers’ opening game will begin at 5:45 on 99.3 The Lift.

Jordan Zimmermann will not be part of the team’s rotation when the season begins. Zimmermann has been placed on the 45-day injured list because of a right forearm strain. That means that the earliest he could return would be September. Projected starter Daniel Norris has not taken part in training camp, after testing positive for COVID-19. He is hoping that he will be cleared to rejoin the club yet this week. Potential candidates to fill the open spots include Michael Fulmer, who is working his way back from Tommy John ligament replacement surgery, and Tyler Alexander.

Brandon Woodruff will take the mound when the Milwaukee Brewers begin their season Friday against the Cubs in Chicago. Brett Anderson will pitch on Saturday – if the blister on his throwing hand heals.

The Toronto Blue Jays continue to look for a home for the season. The Canadian government has denied permission for them to play at the Rogers Centre, mostly because of concerns about travel to and from the United States. Options include their training camp in Dunedin, Florida – although Florida has one of the nation’s worst COVID-19 outbreaks – and the home of their Triple-A affiliate in Buffalo.

NBA

The first NBA exhibition games on Wednesday will be shorter than usual. Because of some delays in getting players to the league’s performance site in Orlando, the first warm-up contests will use 10-minute quarters instead of the usual 12-minute periods. Games will be stretched out to their usual length before the season resumes on July 30th.

NFL

Players begin reporting to NFL training camps today, even though team owners and the players union have not agreed on COVID-19 protection protocols. The players want daily coronavirus testing. The league says testing every other day will be sufficient. No decision has been reached as to players who wish to opt out of the season.

Slow Pitch Softball

In Copper Country Slow Pitch Softball action tonight…
• At Miller Memorial Field in Laurium, McGann’s/Northern Auto faces Bucko’s/Labatts at 6:15, and Monte/Coke/UP Splice at 7:45.
• At the Hancock Driving Park, Koppers plays Pat’s Foods/Bucko’s at 6:15, and Auto Pro/Thermoanalytics at 7:45.

Horseshoes

In Copper Country Horseshoe League play this evening…
• Dreamland One faces Harter’s Party Store at the Dreamland Bar.
• Ahmeek Fire Department takes on 41 Lumber at the Drift Inn.
• Drift Inn faces Bucko’s Party Store at Rocky’s Bar.
• Calumet Electronics plays Loading Zone at Ahmeek Park.
• Rocky’s faces L and L at the Calumet Dam.
• Dreamland Two meets Calumet One at Agassiz Park.

Email sports news and scores to mornings@up.net.