TORONTO – Major League Baseball is checking reports that Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Yunel Escobar played Saturday's game against Boston wearing eye-black displaying a homophobic slur written in Spanish.
Pictures posted online show Escobar with the message written in his eye-black, a sticker players wear under their eyes to reduce glare from the sun. The slur did not appear to be directed at anyone in particular.
"The club takes this situation seriously and is investigating the matter," the Blue Jays said in a statement Monday night, adding they "do not support discrimination of any kind nor condone the message displayed by Yunel Escobar during Saturday's game."
The team said Escobar will be available to the media today at Yankee Stadium with general manager Alex Anthopoulos, manager John Farrell and coach Luis Rivera.
Rangers – Texas will retain its best postseason pitcher.
Colby Lewis, who has been out since elbow surgery in July, agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract extension for 2013.
The Rangers could have sent Lewis into free agency this winter uncertain about his immediate future; the right-hander likely won't throw until at least January. But they went against their usual practice of not making deals during the season.
"We view Colby as an essential part of this franchise, this family," assistant general manager Thad Levine said. "He's earned it; he deserves it. … We want him to have peace of mind."
In eight postseason starts, Lewis is 4-1 with a 2.34 ERA, including 1-0 with a 2.29 ERA in three World Series games.
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