Rockies place Luis Vizcaino on 15-day disabled list because of shoulder strain
April 5, 2008
DENVER (AP) -The Colorado Rockies placed right-hander Luis Vizcaino on the 15-day disabled list because of a right shoulder strain after their 7-2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday night.
The team called up righty Ryan Speier from Triple-A Colorado Springs to take Vizacaino's place.
The move is retroactive to April 4.
Vizcaino has a 27.00 ERA in two games with three walks and one strikeout. This is his first time on the disabled list in his career.
The 33-year-old Vizcaino signed a $7.5 million, two-year contract with the Rockies during the offseason. He went 8-2 with a 4.30 ERA with the New York Yankees last season.
Speier appeared in one game for the Sky Sox, earning a save on Friday night after going 1 1-3 innings. He gave up two hits, two walks and struck out one.
The 27-year-old Speier was on Colorado's postseason roster last season. He went 3-1 with a 4.00 ERA in 20 appearances in 2007.
Phillies activate RHP Lidge, designate Lahey for assignment
April 5, 2008
CINCINNATI (AP) -The Philadelphia Phillies activated right-hander Brad Lidge from the 15-day disabled list and designated righty Tim Lahey for assignment.
Lidge, acquired from Houston in a trade last Nov. 7, had been on the disabled list after undergoing surgery Feb. 21 on his right knee.
Lahey hasn't pitched for the Phillies after being claimed off waivers from the Chicago Cubs on March 28. Philadelphia is the rookie's fourth organization in five months. Tampa Bay picked him out of the Minnesota organization in the Rule Five draft last Dec. 6 and traded him to Chicago for cash that same day.
Royals purchase Hideo Nomo's contract in step toward return to majors
April 5, 2008
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -Hideo Nomo took another step toward returning the major leagues when Kansas City purchased the right-hander's contract from its Idaho Falls club on Saturday.
The former NL Rookie of the Year was a non-roster invitee to spring training but missed the final couple of days with a strained right groin.
Nomo, 39, who has not pitched in the majors since the 2005 season with Tampa Bay, joined the team Saturday for work in the bullpen.
Nomo was 1-0 with a 4.80 ERA in 15 innings this spring. His comeback bid drew considerable attention as a crowd of Japanese reporters followed the Royals in spring training.
He was sent back to the spring training facility in Arizona for physical therapy after injuring his right groin muscle last week.
Marlins acquire third baseman Wes Helms from Philadelphia Phillies
April 5, 2008
MIAMI (AP) -The Florida Marlins acquired third baseman Wes Helms and cash from the Philadelphia Phillies for a player to be named later on Saturday night.
The Marlins announced the move after beating the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-3.
The Phillies had designated Helms for assignment on Wednesday, and had 10 days to either trade him or put him on waivers. The 31-year-old Helms, who opened last season as the starting third baseman for Philadelphia, is due $2.9 million this season.
``He's a scrapper, a great clubhouse guy,'' Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla said. ``Wes is a veteran who can do a lot of positive things for a team. He can bring a lot to a young team like this.''
To make room for Helms, the Marlins designated Jason Wood for assignment.
Jorge Cantu has been starting at third base for the Marlins so far this season.
Helms batted .246 with five homers and 39 RBIs in 280 at_bats last year in Philadelphia.