AL East Notes: Benintendi placed on DL, Jones exits with hamstring issue

Boston placed left fielder Andrew Benintendi on the disabled list with an apparent knee injury Thursday, but the Red Sox are confident he will return this season, according to Tim Britton of The Providence Journal.

The injury was deemed a knee sprain Friday, with no structural damage evident, according to Britton.

Chris Young is expected to receive the majority of starts in left field in Benintendi’s absence. Brock Holt is also a candidate to start in Boston’s outfield.

Over 21 games this season, Benintendi is batting .324/.365/.485 with one home run and 10 RBIs.

More from around the American League East:

• Mookie Betts has proven to be one of baseball’s best players, and he might not be tested until pitchers start to adjust to him.

• While the offense has helped, the Yankees have received consistent outings from their starting pitchers which has resulted in an August resurgence.

• Adam Jones left Baltimore’s game Friday night with a hamstring injury.

• If the Blue Jays want to remain competitive, they will have to continue to beat the struggling teams left on their schedule.

• The Rays will release outfielder Desmond Jennings on Saturday, the club announced.

Standings ‘as of writing’:

Blue Jays 71-56 —GB

Red Sox 71-56 —GB

Orioles 70-57 1.0 GB

Yankees 65-61 5.5 GB

Rays 54-72 16.5