Notes from Monday's games
August 27, 2007
TAMPA BAY: Edwin Jackson had gone 49 1-3 consecutive innings without giving up a home run over seven starts before surrendering three in a row to the White Sox in the seventh inning. ... OF Carl Crawford played in his 799th game, tying Aubrey Huff's club record. He also recorded his 42nd hit in August, two shy of Huff's club record 44 set in August 2002. Crawford also struck out in his first three at_bats Monday. ... Tampa Bay allowed four homers in an inning for the fourth time in club history. All four have come on the road. ... The Devil Rays had hoped to build on the three-game winning streak after taking the final three games in a series with Oakland. But after Monday's tough defeat, they headed to a place where they've really struggled - Baltimore's Camden Yards. The D-Rays are 2-10 against the O's, including 0-6 in Baltimore where they've lost nine in a row dating back to last season. ... Tampa Bay went 1-6 against the White Sox this season. ... Delmon Young's homer was his first since June 22, a span of 231 homerless at_bats.
CHICAGO: Catcher A.J. Pierzynski said it was no big deal after he and hitting coach Greg Walker got into a shouting match Sunday in the dugout. It was caught by a TV camera. ``It was just the heat of the moment. Just one of those things that's not a big deal at all. Walk and I have gotten into it before and today we're fine,'' Pierzynski said. ``Just a frustrating weekend. It's just a shame someone happened to see it.'' Manager Ozzie Guillen said what Pierzynski did was wrong. The catcher acknowledged it was probably his fault and he would apologize if necessary. ``It wasn't like there were punches thrown or anybody was fighting or anything like that,'' Pierzynski said. Guillen said Pierzynski was unhappy when Boston reliever Manny Delcarmen threw a pitch Pierzynski didn't know was in his repertoire. ``Walker said 'I prepare myself real well for this game and I expect everyone to do it.' That's why Walker get real mad. ... Walker wanted to kick his butt,'' Guillen said. Walker's take: ``It was A.J. being A.J. and Walk being Walk,'' he said. ... Bobby Jenks has retired 50 of the last 51 batters he's faced and has pitched 15 straight scoreless innings.
NEW YORK: SS Derek Jeter was back in the lineup after sitting out Sunday afternoon's loss at Detroit with a bruised knee. ``I'm fine,'' he said. ... The Yankees juggled their usual defensive alignment Monday, using Hideki Matsui at DH to rest a sore knee. Jason Giambi played 1B, Johnny Damon was in LF and Melky Cabrera played CF.
DETROIT: The Tigers put DH Gary Sheffield (shoulder) and RHP Jair Jurrjens (shoulder) on the DL, replacing them with OF Timo Perez and RHP Zach Miner. Jurrjens said he would not throw for six days, then expected to work his way back on to the roster. Manager Jim Leyland said there was a ``strong possibility'' he would be used out of the bullpen after spot starting this season. Leyland said RHP Chad Durbin will likely take Jurrjens' spot in the rotation Friday night in the series opener at Oakland. ... Leyland said the Tigers are looking at all options to bolster their banged-up team, but said fans shouldn't get too excited about the possibilities. ``Babe Ruth doesn't clear waivers,'' Leyland said.
MINNESOTA: Manager Ron Gardenhire recognizes the importance of a three-game series against first-place Cleveland, but he's wary of placing too much emphasis on it. ``It's a fun series, but we can't put it ahead of the rest of our season,'' said Gardenhire, whose team came in on a five-game winning streak that had pulled the Twins within 5 1/2 games of the Indians. ``We're playing a team in front of us and their goal is to knock us crazy. Our goal is to keep winning and stay close.'' ... C Joe Mauer did not start Monday for the second straight game because of a strained left hamstring. ``Right now, he's Kirk Gibson waiting to pinch hit,'' Gardenhire said. ``He's limping around. He'll do exercises in the swimming pool and try to get better.'' The defending AL batting champ missed a month earlier this season with a strained left quad. ... RHP Scott Baker is home in Louisiana with his wife, Leann, who delivered their second child five weeks prematurely. ``He's taking care of his wife and we'll never go against that,'' said Gardenhire, who hopes Baker will be able to rejoin the team soon. ``We want him back with the team, not throwing to his father in the backyard.'' ... Gardenhire got a good report on a throwing session by LHP Glen Perkins, sidelined since May 22 with a strained left shoulder. ``He's supposedly healthy,'' Gardenhire said, adding that the rookie would throw on the side again Thursday.
CLEVELAND: Rookie 2B Asdrubal Cabrera has become more than just a fixture in Cleveland's infield lately. ``He has been in the middle of quite a bit,'' manager Eric Wedge said. The 21-year-old has been a much-needed spark for the Indians, who were teetering on self destruction before Cabrera replaced slumping Josh Barfield in Cleveland's lineup and at second base. In 13 games since being called up from Triple-A Buffalo, Cabrera is batting .318 (14-of-44) with one homer and seven RBIs. On Sunday, the switch-hitting Cabrera delivered a clutch, two-out RBI single in the ninth inning as the Indians rallied to tie Kansas City 3-3 before beating the Royals 5-3 in 13 innings. Wedge has been impressed by Cabrera's seemingly seamless transition to the majors. ``He has a great feel for the game for a young player,'' Wedge said. ``He plays with no fear. He goes out there and has fun and just plays.'' ... LHP C.C. Sabathia, who leads the AL with 197 innings pitched, is trying to become the first Cleveland pitcher in 53 years to lead the league in that category. Hall of Famer Early Wynn worked 270 2-3 innings for the Indians' pennant-winning team in 1954.
TORONTO: The Blue Jays fell a season-worst 14 1/2 games behind first-place Boston with Sunday's loss to the Angels. ... Toronto won two of three in its first visit to Oakland this season, but was swept by the A's in Canada last week. Oakland hadn't swept a three-game series from the Jays since May 2001. ... The Blue Jays faced Oakland RHP Esteban Loaiza, who went 25-28 in three seasons with Toronto. Loaiza beat Toronto with 7 2-3 strong innings last week in his first major league game of the season.
OAKLAND: OF Nick Swisher still led the AL with 90 walks after the weekend's games despite not drawing a walk in eight games, his longest drought of the season. ... The A's returned home from a seven-game East Coast trip Monday with six position players and two key pitchers on their DL. Oakland has used its DL 22 times this year, tying the franchise record set in 1992. ... Injured 3B Eric Chavez and RHP Rich Harden are rehabilitating in Arizona. Manager Bob Geren said Harden would be back in Oakland on Tuesday after throwing off a mound in Arizona on Monday, while Chavez is back at work on a rehab program for his stiff back.
ATLANTA: Two lineups were posted inside the Braves clubhouse before Monday night's game at Florida. One included 3B Chipper Jones and the other did not. Jones, who missed Sunday's game at St. Louis with a strained right groin, took batting practice before deciding he was good to go against the Marlins. He batted third, with CF Andruw Jones hitting sixth. Andruw Jones also missed Sunday's game to rest his sore knee. ... The Braves flip-flopped their starters the next two nights. RHP John Smoltz will start Tuesday, and RHP Buddy Carlyle will start Wednesday. ... OF Pete Orr was recalled from Triple-A Richmond and RHP Joey Devine was optioned to Atlanta's top farm club.
FLORIDA: Manager Fredi Gonzalez said RHP Byung-Hyun Kim will start Saturday or Sunday against Philadelphia. ``We'll probably use him in the bullpen (Tuesday) or the next day,'' Gonzalez said. Kim was with the Marlins from May 13-Aug. 3 before being claimed off waivers by Arizona. He re-signed over the weekend after being released by the D-Backs. ... RF Jeremy Hermida entered Monday's game with a 10-game hitting streak that raised his average to .284 with 13 homers and 44 RBIs. ``I think that the more at_bats he sees and the more comfortable he gets, I think the better he's going to be at the plate,'' Gonzalez said. ... On-field lines and numbers used for Miami Dolphins games were painted green but still were visible.
NEW YORK: C Paul Lo Duca came off the DL and returned to the lineup, driving in the Mets' first run with a fifth-inning single. He aggravated a hamstring injury earlier this month. ... RHP Pedro Martinez was scheduled to make another rehab start on Monday for Class-A St. Lucie. ... OF Endy Chavez likely will come off the DL on Tuesday. Chavez has been sidelined by a hamstring injury since early June.
PHILADELPHIA: Manager Charlie Manuel earned his seventh ejection of the season and 18th with the Phillies for arguing a close play at first base in the first inning. ... Infielder-outfielder Russell Branyan was designated for assignment to make room for Chase Utley, who returned after having hand surgery a month ago. Branyan could rejoin the team next month after rosters are expanded. ... RF Shane Victorino was out of the lineup for the third straight game after tweaking a calf injury that landed him on the DL last month.
ARIZONA: The NL West-leading Diamondbacks on Monday night entered a stretch of playing the two-time defending division champion Padres seven times in 10 games. The teams opened a four-game series at Petco Park, and will play three in Phoenix starting next Monday.
SAN DIEGO: Ace Jake Peavy struck out Orlando Hudson in the first inning Monday night to become San Diego's career leader with 1,037. He passed Andy Benes. ... All-Star RHP Chris Young was encouraged after throwing a bullpen session and is cautiously optimistic he can start Thursday or Friday. The 6-foot-10 right-hander was forced to leave his start against the Mets on Tuesday night after five innings because of lower back pain. He returned to San Diego to have his back checked and missed his scheduled start Sunday at Philadelphia.
WASHINGTON: The Nationals have played at least one game in four different time zones in a nine-game span that began Aug. 19 in Washington. Their record was 3-5 going into Monday night. ... LHP Mike Bacsik made his second start Monday since rejoining the rotation last week after spending the previous week in the bullpen. He gave up Barry Bonds' record-setting 756th home run on Aug. 7.
LOS ANGELES: The Dodgers didn't take batting practice and players were allowed to show up later than usual to the ballpark after arriving in Los Angeles at 4 a.m. from their East Coast road trip. ... RHP Takashi Saito received a box of spongecake-like treats from a fan in Japan and promptly shared the contents with his teammates. He handed one of the elegantly decorated boxes to RHP David Wells, who cracked, ``Japanese Twinkies? Can't read the ingredients. Is there a lot of sugar in it?'' Wells was diagnosed as a diabetic during spring training. ... Manager Grady Little said Wells will start Friday against his old team in San Diego. ... 3B Nomar Garciaparra, on the 15-day DL with a strained left calf, can field grounders but is still unable to run.
COLORADO: RHP Aaron Cook (left abdominal strain) is scheduled to pitch a simulated game on Tuesday. ... OF Willy Taveras (right quad strain) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment at Colorado Springs and should be able to return to action when the Rockies travel to Arizona to begin a three-game series on Friday.
SAN FRANCISCO: RHP Brad Hennessey had converted his last 11 save opportunities, and 14 of 16 overall, entering play Monday. He was handed the closer role when the Giants traded Armando Benitez to the Florida Marlins. ``I've always said that pitching the ninth doesn't much different from pitching the eighth,'' Hennessey said. ``It's more enjoyable to finish a game and people just give more credit to being a closer.'' ... With RHP Tyler Walker on board, manager Bruce Bochy has three pitchers who have closing experience. Walker, who was called up from Triple-A Fresno to take the place of RHP Vinnie Chulk (blood clot in right hand), has closed for the Giants and Tampa Bay Devil Rays. RHP Brian Wilson has two saves this year and was Fresno's closer before his recall. ``It's invaluable to have guys who have pitched in crisis situations,'' Bochy said. ``The guys who have closed before can draw on that experience.'' ... 2B Ray Durham did some running to test his mild left hamstring strain. He was available to pinch hit and will likely return to the lineup on Tuesday.
Padres send Stauffer back to minors; recall Thatcher
August 27th, 2007
San Diego, CA (Sports Network) - The San Diego Padres optioned pitcher Tim Stauffer to Triple-A Portland, one day after the right-hander was roughed up against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Stauffer (0-1) was tagged for 11 runs on 11 hits in only four innings as Philadelphia beat San Diego, 14-2.
Stauffer, 25, raised his earned run average to 21.13 on the season. His only other appearance for the Padres this season was also a rough one when, spotted to an 11-0 lead in the first inning, he was rocked for four hits and seven runs in 3 2/3 innings.
To take Stauffer's spot on the roster, the Padres recalled left-handed pitcher Joe Thatcher from Portland.
This will be the second stint with San Diego this season for Thatcher, who was acquired from Milwaukee in the Scott Linebrink trade
Mussina might have pitched himself out of Yankees' rotation
ASSOCIATED PRESS
DETROIT -- Mike Mussina gave up six runs in just three innings Monday night against the Detroit Tigers, sinking even lower in one of the worst stretches of his career.
Before the series finale, New York Yankees manager Joe Torre said Mussina wasn't pitching to save his place in the rotation. But on Friday, Torre did say all options would be considered in the best interest of Mussina and the team.
For the first time in Mussina's 17 seasons, he has allowed at least six earned runs in three straight starts and lasted three innings or fewer in back-to-back outings.
Mussina has allowed 19 earned runs in 9 2-3 innings - an ERA of 17.69 - in his last three starts, his season ERA rising from 4.50 to 5.53 .
He had won four straight starts before allowing seven runs - six earned - in five innings of a 8-5 loss to the Tigers on Aug. 16. In his next outing, he gave up seven runs in 1 2-3 innings in Anaheim, a game the Yankees lost 18-9.
Mussina had worked with pitching coach Ron Guidry between starts, and Torre had expressed optimism that the 38-year-old right-hander would pitch more aggressively. But the 247-game winner left Monday's game with the Yankees trailing 6-0.
Joe Mauer isn't headed for the disabled list yet, but he could miss the Twins' series at Cleveland.
BALTIMORE — Joe Mauer spent a month on the disabled list earlier this year. More recently, the 2006 American League batting champion watched his average slip below .300.
Now the catcher could miss several days — if not land on the disabled list — right when the Twins are close to getting back in the playoff race.
Mauer pulled his left hamstring Saturday running from first to third against the Orioles. He is listed as day-to-day but likely will miss the Twins' big series at Cleveland that begins today.
"It's pretty frustrating," said Mauer, who is batting .294. "I've never really been healthy the whole year. Especially this time of the year, when we are trying to make a run."
Mauer said the hamstring was "really sore" Sunday. Manager Ron Gardenhire pointed out there was no discoloration in the leg, a sign it's not a serious pull. But the Twins still need time to determine the severity of the injury.
Shortstop Jason Bartlett suffered a similar pull earlier this month and missed a week.
"I'm trying to get back out there," Mauer said. "I just hope it doesn't take too long."
startribune.com
Soriano return set for Tuesday
suntimes.com
PHOENIX -- Alfonso Soriano got the word Sunday that the Cubs will activate him from the disabled list for Tuesday's series opener against Milwaukee. But that didn't seem to raise the frustrated left fielder's spirits much.
Hoping to get the go-ahead to play during the weekend series at Arizona, Soriano initially seemed more disappointed that his return was delayed until the next series than excited to be cleared a week earlier than anticipated when he tore his right quadriceps Aug. 5.
''I'm frustrated because I want to play and I can play,'' said Soriano, who huddled with trainer Mark O'Neal for a lengthy explanation of the team's decision and specifics of the healing process. He then met with manager Lou Piniella and told Piniella he could play Sunday.
''So I'm frustrated for that, but I understand because it's better to lose one week now and not lose the whole September,'' Soriano said.
Soriano spent the six-day western trip putting his injured leg through increasingly vigorous workouts and passed every test along the way. He said as early as midweek in San Francisco that he felt good enough to play by the weekend.
As it is, he returns in time for the series that figures to launch the stretch run: the final series of the year between the NL Central-leading Cubs and second-place Brewers.
''I'm very happy that he told me that,'' Soriano said of returning in time for the Milwaukee series. ''It's huge because it's the last one. That's the team we have to beat.''
''He's ready to go,'' said Piniella, who plans to return Soriano to the leadoff spot and move Ryan Theriot back to the No. 2 hole. ''He's going to have to be a little careful, but he knows what he needs to do. We could wait another week, but he's not going to get any better than he is. It's a credit to him because he's a hard worker and a good healer.''
The Cubs went 8-11 in Soriano's absence but gained 2½ games in the standings. They've lacked power without Soriano and struggled to score consistently, scoring two or fewer runs seven times while he was out.
''We've held our own,'' Piniella said. ''I didn't see any collapse, and we haven't [had one]. We've actually played pretty good baseball. We just haven't really hit all that well.
''Now we'll get him back on Tuesday and get set for a nice five weeks of baseball. It'll be fun.''
Baseball Today - August 28
ASSOCIATED PRESS
SCOREBOARD Wednesday, Aug. 29
Minnesota at Cleveland (7:05 p.m. EDT). Johan Santana and C.C. Sabathia are each in search of win No. 15.
STARS Monday
-John Lackey, Angels, pitched a seven-hit shutout to lead Los Angeles past Seattle 6-0.
-Troy Glaus, Blue Jays, drove in the go-ahead run in the 12th inning to propel Toronto over Oakland 6-2.
-Brian McCann, Braves, hit his second grand slam in a week and Atlanta routed Florida 13-2.
-Chase Utley, Phillies, had three hits, including a solo homer, in his return from the DL and Philadelphia beat the New York Mets 9-2.
-Justin Verlander, Tigers, allowed three hits in seven innings and Detroit pounded the New York Yankees 16-0.
FIRED
Less than two years ago, the Houston Astros were celebrating their first National League pennant. On Monday, they were starting over. Manager Phil Garner and general manager Tim Purpura were fired by owner Drayton McLane, who said the franchise ''needed a fresh start'' after a plunge to the bottom of the NL Central. Bench coach Cecil Cooper was appointed interim manager.
TRIPLE PLAY
Cleveland beat Minnesota 8-3 on Monday on the strength of a Victor Martinez homer and their first triple play since 1992. With runners at first and second in the seventh inning, Indians reliever Rafael Perez came on and got Mike Redmond to hit a hard grounder to third baseman Casey Blake, who fielded it and quickly stepped on the bag. Blake then threw to second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera, whose relay to first baseman Martinez easily beat the slow-footed Twins catcher. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, it was the third triple play of the season.
ACES WILD
John Lackey pitched his second straight seven-hit shutout against the Mariners, and the Los Angeles Angels beat Seattle 6-0 on Monday. He also blanked Seattle on July 31 and hasn't allowed a run in 24 innings against them. It was his 10th career complete game and seventh shutout. ... Jake Peavy allowed one run and three hits in seven innings to lead San Diego past Arizona 3-1. Peavy tied his career high in victories with 15. He struck out 11 for the third straight start and reached double digits for the eighth time this year, pushing his NL lead to 197.
STREAKING
Matt Holliday extended his hitting streak to a career-high 17 games in Colorado's 4-1 loss to San Francisco on Monday. Holliday's hitting streak is the longest by a Rockies player since Jeffrey Hammonds hit in 18 straight from May 29-June 21, 2000. ... Troy Tulowitzki also extended his hitting streak to 12 games for Colorado in the loss.
SNAPPED
Jose Contreras got his first win as a starter in two months and the Chicago White Sox edged Tampa Bay 5-4 on Monday. Contreras (7-16), who leads the major leagues in losses, had dropped nine straight starts since beating Florida on June 18 and had lost 13 of 14. His lone victory since beating the Marlins was in relief against Cleveland on Aug. 8. ... Cleveland beat Minnesota 8-3, ending the Twins' season-high winning streak at five.
SPEAKING
''I'll take 0-for-4 every night - that means I'm in the game long enough to get four at-bats and we're hitting the ball.'' - Atlanta hurler Lance Cormier, on being the only Braves starter without a hit in a 13-2 rout of Florida on Monday. Cormier pitched seven innings, allowing two runs and six hits to get his first win this season.
Chulk goes on the disabled list with blood clot in his right hand
August 27, 2007
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -Giants right-hander Vinnie Chulk went on the 15-day disabled list before Monday's game against the Colorado Rockies with a blood clot in his right hand.
Chulk complained of coldness in his fingers and will see a specialist for further evaluation.
``We're not going to take any chances here,'' Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. ``We're going to find out exactly what's going on.''
Chulk has appeared in 57 games and is 5-4 with a 3.57 ERA.
The Giants purchased the contract of right-hander Tyler Walker from Triple-A Fresno to replace Chulk. To make room on the 40-man roster, pitcher Russ Ortiz was transferred to the 60-day DL.
Walker had a 1-2 record with seven saves and a 4.70 ERA in 20 games for the Grizzlies.
In addition, the Giants acquired right-hander Stephen MacFarland from the Pittsburgh Pirates to complete the trade that sent Matt Morris to the Pirates on July 31.
Reds activate Ross from DL
August 28th, 2007
Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - The Cincinnati Reds have activated catcher David Ross off the 15-day disabled list.
Ross had been sidelined since August 13, a day after he suffered a concussion following a collision at home plate with San Diego's Mike Cameron.
Entering Tuesday's doubleheader against Pittsburgh, Ross is batting .207 with 15 homers and 33 runs batted in. He was 2-for-9 in three rehab games at Triple-A Louisville this past weekend.
The Reds opened a roster spot by optioning catcher Ryan Jorgensen to Louisville. Jorgensen was 3-for-15 with a pair of homers and six RBI in four games with Cincinnati.
Brewers place Vargas on DL
August 28th, 2007
Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - The Milwaukee Brewers placed pitcher Claudio Vargas on the 15-day disabled list with a strained lower back.
The move is retroactive to August 25.
In 25 appearances this year for the Brewers, the 29-year-old right-hander has a 10-4 record with a 5.13 earned run average and one save.
Vargas left Friday's game against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning after allowing six earned runs on five hits.
A corresponding roster move is expected to be announced before Tuesday's game against Chicago.
Orioles recall Birkins; designate Shuey
August 28th, 2007
Baltimore, MD (Sports Network) - The Baltimore Orioles recalled pitcher Kurt Birkins from Triple-A Norfolk and designated pitcher Paul Shuey for assignment on Tuesday.
Birkins, who has been recalled five times by the Orioles this season, has appeared in seven games and is 0-1 with a 9.95 earned run average. He is 8-4 with a 3.07 ERA in 20 games (19 starts) for Norfolk.
Shuey has appeared in 25 games for the Orioles this season, posting an 0-1 mark with one save and a 9.82 ERA.
Phillies activate Eaton
August 28th, 2007
Philadelphia, Pa (Sports Network) - The Philadelphia Phillies activated right- handed pitcher Adam Eaton from the disabled list Tuesday.
Eaton got the nod in the second game of a four-game series against the NL East leading New York Mets. Eaton holds a 5-0 record with a 1.89 earned run average in five career outings vs. the Mets.
In the first year of a three-year, $24.5 million contract, Eaton is 9-8 with a 6.36 earned run average in 24 appearances for the Phillies this season.
To make room on the roster, the Phillies designated pitcher John Ennis for assignment.
Mets activate Chavez
August 28th, 2007
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The New York Mets activated outfielder Endy Chavez from the 15-day disabled list Tuesday.
Chavez had been out since pulling his left hamstring on June 6. He was in the Mets starting lineup Tuesday, playing right field and hitting eighth.
For the season, Chavez is hitting .292 with one home run and 13 runs batted in.
To make room for Chavez, the Mets optioned pitcher Brian Lawrence to Triple-A New Orleans. The right-hander is 1-2 with a 6.31 ERA in five starts with New York.