PLAYING TIME: Bautista, Votto to DL, Axford out as closer

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Bautista suffers wrist injury

José Bautista (OF, TOR) was forced to leave the July 16 game due to a wrist injury, and was placed on the 15-day disabled list.  Ben Francisco (OF, TOR) took over in right field, and got another start there the next night, against a left-handed starter. Since returning from a hamstring injury June 25, Francisco has been limited to just 14 at-bats, but should be able to find more playing time now.  It is unclear how large his role will be initially, but it's worth noting that his career splits are nearly identical.  Against right-handers, Francisco has posted a .755 OPS and a home run every 31.3 at-bats, while vs left-handers, he has a .769 OPS and a home run every 30.1 at-bats.  Prior...

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