Jarred Cosart apologizes for using a homophobic slur on Twitter

Astros right-hander Jarred Cosart learned a valuable lesson today on how to handle himself on social media.

Cosart was joking around with Phillies minor league outfielder (and former teammate) Tyson Gillies on Twitter and used a homophobic slur to describe Canadian pop musician Justin Bieber. The tweet was soon deleted and he eventually issued the following apology:

https://twitter.com/JarredCosart/status/433022331771191296

https://twitter.com/JarredCosart/status/433022463350702080

According to Jose de Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle, Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow issued the following statement on Cosart’s actions:

“It’s something we take very seriously and we definitely don’t condone that type of language from our players.”

Cosart made his major league debut last season and posted a 1.95 ERA and 33/35 K/BB ratio over 10 starts. The 23-year-old should enter spring training with a rotation spot to lose.

Follow @djshort

The Reds have sent second baseman Scooter Gennett in for an MRI exam after he was forced to make an early departure from Friday’s 6-4 loss to the Brewers. The exact nature of the injury has yet to be reported, but starting pitcher Robert Stephenson said Gennett may have hurt himself after he “rolled weird” while trying to rein in a ground ball. He appeared to be grabbing at his right thigh/groin area immediately afterward and was helped off the field.

Following the incident, the 28-year-old was swiftly replaced by veteran infielder Carlos Rivero, who went hitless as he finished out the game. Though Gennett went 0-for-1 in his lone at-bat on Friday, he’s been tearing through the Cactus League competition this spring with a .351/.405/.486 batting line in 42 plate appearances so far.

The extent of Gennett’s injuries have not been disclosed — and may still be unknown to the team as well — but any significant setback would undoubtedly throw a wrench in the Reds’ plans this season, as he was the presumed starter at the keystone after turning in his first All-Star worthy performance in 2018. Although they have a promising alternative in top infield/outfield prospect Nick Senzel, the 23-year-old has not seen any time at second base this year and was recently reassigned to Triple-A Louisville to start the 2019 season.