It looks like Game 3 of the NLCS might be postponed by rain, but if the Cardinals and Giants do play today Marco Scutaro will be in San Francisco’s lineup.
Scutaro exited Game 2 early after injuring his left hip on Matt Holliday’s takeout slide at second base and was diagnosed with a muscle strain.
Ryan Theriot likely would have drawn the Game 3 start had Scutaro not been able to go.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic confirms a report from journalist Américo Celado that White Sox catcher Welington Castillo will be suspended 80 games for violating baseball’s Joint Drug Agreement. Castillo was believed to have used a steroid, but according to Rosenthal, the substance was not a steroid. More details should come on Thursday.
Castillo, 31, entered Wednesday’s action batting .270/.314/.477 with six home runs and 15 RBI in 118 plate appearances. He has gotten the bulk of the work behind the plate, backed up by Omar Narváez.
Castillo’s absence will likely prompt the White Sox to call up Kevan Smith from Triple-A Charlotte. Smith battled an ankle injury in March and April, so he got a late start to the season. In 102 PA at Triple-A, he has hit .283/.343/.457.
