D-backs’ Clippard has shoulder sprain, out at least 6 weeks

<p>SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. &mdash; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Tyler Clippard has a sprained right shoulder and won’t throw for at least the next six weeks.</p>
<p>Clippard said the injury was diagnosed as a “capsule sprain” and his shoulder will be re-evaluated at the end of six weeks of rest. The right-hander signed a $2.25 million, one-year deal with the team in February.</p>
<p>Clippard was injured while pitching against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday in Phoenix. He gave up seven earned runs without retiring a batter and was struggling with his command and velocity before eventually motioning for manager Torey Lovullo to take him out of the game.</p>
<p>The 36-year-old Clippard has been remarkably durable throughout his career and has thrown in 777 career games, which ranks second among active MLB pitchers. He had a 2.77 ERA in 26 appearances with the Minnesota Twins last season.</p>
<p>“I’ve never been on the injured list in my career,” Clippard said on Sunday. “I pride myself on being that guy who is healthy and now I’m not, so I’m bummed.”</p>
<hr />
<p>More AP MLB coverage: <a href="https://apnews.com/MLB">https://apnews.com/MLB</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AP_Sports">https://twitter.com/AP_Sports</a></p>