Astros shortstop Clint Barmes returns from fractured hand - MLB

Out since a hit by pitch late in spring training left him with a fractured hand, Clint Barmes will be activated from the disabled list and make his Astros debut tonight.

Barmes, who was acquired from the Rockies in November to take over as the Astros’ starting shortstop, returns from the injury in five weeks after initially being given a 4-6 week recovery timetable.

He’s been a plus defender at second base and shortstop for the Rockies, but Barmes is likely to disappoint offensively now that he’s no longer calling Coors Field home. His overall numbers have never been particularly impressive, but Barmes has been downright terrible on the road throughout his career, hitting just .224 with a .266 on-base percentage and .352 slugging percentage in 1,264 plate appearances.

To make room for Barmes on the roster the Astros designated veteran utility man Joe Inglett for assignment.

CARSON CITY, Nev. — The Nevada Senate adjourned Thursday without voting on a financing bill for a proposed $1.5 billion Las Vegas Strip stadium for the Oakland Athletics, extending the special legislative session into the next week amid negotiations over whether to contribute $380 million in public funding to the project.

The measure can still be amended by lawmakers, and if it passes the Senate it would still need approval from the Assembly before going to the desk of Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, who has expressed support for it. Both the state Senate and Assembly are adjourned until Monday.

In a hearing that began Wednesday and stretched into the early morning hours Thursday, lawmakers peppered tourism officials and a representative from a firm partnering with the ball club with questions about the feasibility and benefits of financing such a deal.

Public funds for the stadium would mainly come from $180 million in transferable tax credits and $120 million in county bonds. Backers have pledged that the creation of a special tax district around the proposed stadium would generate enough money to pay off those bonds and interest. The plan would not directly raise taxes.

The A’s would not owe property taxes for the publicly owned stadium. Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, would also contribute $25 million in credit toward infrastructure costs.

A’s representatives and some tourism officials say a deal would further grow Las Vegas’ developing sports scene and act as an economic engine, but a growing chorus of economists and some lawmakers warn that the project would bring minimal benefits for the hefty public price tag.