Cozart stays in Cincinnati for tests on sore wrist

BALTIMORE -- Reds shortstop Zack Cozart was supposed to return to the club on Thursday to play the series finale after his wife gave birth to their first child -- a boy named Cooper -- on Tuesday. While all is well on the personal side, Cozart is banged up.

Cozart has been bothered by soreness in his right wrist and remained in Cincinnati for tests and treatment. He didn't start Sunday at Pittsburgh as part of a plan, but wouldn't have been able play anyway because of the injury.

"It's not inconsequential, but it's not something that's going to threaten September for him," manager Bryan Price said.

A scan of Cozart's wrist revealed no major issue but he was given a cortisone shot, which would prevent him from playing until at least Friday.

"He called me after he got the shot and said he got instant relief," head trainer Paul Lessard said on Wednesday.

Cozart is batting .228 with three home runs and 35 RBIs in 129 games this season. While it's been a tough year offensively, he's had a very strong year defensively and could be a National League Gold Glove candidate.

"We all intended to have him playing [Thursday], but that's something that we found out today wasn't a possibility," Price said. "He won't be available [Thursday]. There's no reason to fly here and sit on our bench."