Howard goes on 15-day disabled list
Sat, May 12, 2007
By Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA -- NL MVP Ryan Howard was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left quadriceps strain after he was out of the starting lineup for the fifth straight game Saturday.
The Philadelphia Phillies recalled catcher/first baseman Chris Coste from Triple-A Ottawa to take Howard's roster spot. Howard is eligible to come off the disabled list May 25.
''For long-term reasons, we wanted to be cautious with this and let him heal,'' assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said after an 11-7 win over the Chicago Cubs. ''We fully expect him to be 100 percent and ready to go within 15 days.''
Howard slumped this year after hitting .313 with 58 homers and 149 RBIs in one of the best seasons ever for a sophomore player. He's batting just .204 with six homers and 23 RBIs, and has 39 strikeouts in 98 at-bats. Howard's pinch-hit grand slam helped the Phillies beat Arizona on Wednesday. He had one more at-bat in that game but hasn't played since.
Howard also has been bothered by a sprained left knee. An MRI exam on his knee showed no structural damage and another MRI exam on his thigh revealed he had some internal bleeding. Howard initially injured his quadriceps in spring training.
''Nobody wants to get hurt,'' Howard said. ''Only way to get it better is to shut it down. If you keep playing, the worst case is you're out there playing and it gets worse and you're out for the rest of the year. The key is to get healthy.''
Greg Dobbs had a career-best four hits, including a go-ahead two-run triple in the seventh inning, filling in for Howard on Saturday. He'll get some more playing time at first base along with Wes Helms and Coste, who became a fan favorite after finally making it to the majors as a 33-year-old rookie last season.
''I never want to be without Howard for a day or two weeks,'' manager Charlie Manuel said. ''But we have to get him healthy.''
Mariners ace Hernandez ready for return Tuesday
Sun, May 13, 2007
By Associated Press
SEATTLE -- Felix Hernandez, on the disabled list because of a strained forearm, is scheduled to start Tuesday at home against the Los Angeles Angels.
''It feels like it's been a year,'' he said. ''It's not fun to sit down and do nothing.''
Sportsbook.com has listed the Mariners as +4000 long shots to win the 2007 AL Pennant.
The 21-year-old right-hander left his start against Minnesota on April 18 after one-third of an inning. He allowed three runs, walked two and threw a wild pitch before he summoned trainers to the mound.
Before that, he had allowed four hits in 17 scoreless innings - including a one-hitter at Boston.
Hernandez said his goal is to throw 85 pitches against the Angels on Tuesday. Seattle manager Mike Hargrove is thinking more conservatively.
''He probably won't go (more) than 75-80 pitches,'' Hargrove said.
Hernandez was at home Friday with a 102-degree temperature and flu-like symptoms while his teammates were beating New York. So the fact he threw an extended bullpen session less than 24 hours later surprised Hargrove.
But not Hernandez, who was itching to get some extra work in the bullpen.
''My temperature's down, I feel better now,'' said Hernandez, who said he threw approximately 50 pitches.
His manager has been most impressed with how Hernandez has handled the injury.
''The big thing that we're really happy about, if there's anything to be happy about, is that he was honest,'' said Hargrove, who said he has seen older pitchers overdo it and then end up on the disabled list longer.
Cha Seung Baek made four starts in Hernandez's place in the rotation and went 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA. It was thought that he would take Jeff Weaver's rotation spot. Weaver, 0-6 with a 14.32 ERA, went on the 15-day disabled list Friday because of shoulder tendinitis.
But Hargrove said Saturday he was pretty sure Weaver would have a spot in the rotation when he is ready to return.
Weaver has been a flop after signing a one-year, $8,325,000 contract. In 22 innings, he has given up 50 hits and 35 earned runs.
Twins' Morneau gets hit in nose
Sat, May 12, 2007
By Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau left Saturday's game against Detroit after a relay throw bounced on the Metrodome turf and broke the AL MVP's nose in the eighth inning.
Trainer Rick McWane treated Morneau to stop the bleeding, and Morneau walked off and was replaced by Luis Rodriguez.
With Craig Monroe on first and the Tigers leading 8-2, third baseman Nick Punto caught a line drive hit by Brandon Inge and threw to Morneau to try for the double play. But the ball one-hopped Morneau and bounced off his nose.
Dr. John Steubs put Morneau's nose back in place, team spokesman Mike Herman said. Morneau's status was announced as day-to-day.
Royals activate Elarton from DL
May 12th, 2007
Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - The Kansas City Royals activated pitcher Scott Elarton from the 15-day disabled list in time to pitch Saturday against the Chicago White Sox, his first start since July 16.
Kansas City's opening day starter in 2006, Elarton had shoulder surgery on August 1. He has spent a month making minor league rehab starts this season.
Last season, Elarton was 4-9 with a 5.34 ERA.
The club also optioned lefty Neal Musser to Triple-A Omaha. Musser registered a 10.80 ERA in six appearances this year.
White Sox place Cintron on bereavement list
May 12th, 2007
Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - The Chicago White Sox placed infielder Alex Cintron on the Major League Bereavement List prior to Saturday's game against the Kansas City Royals.
Also, the club recalled infielder Andy Gonzalez from Triple-A Charlotte.
Cintron, 28, has a .128 batting average with an RBI in 14 games this season. He must remain on the bereavement list for at least three days.
Gonzalez, 25, hit .259 with 13 RBI in 25 games for the Knights, and has played in one game with the Sox this season.
Chipper out with thumb injuries
MLB.com
ATLANTA -- It took nearly six full weeks for an injury to keep Chipper Jones from playing. But fortunately for the Braves, it appears their veteran third baseman's bruised and battered body should be healthy enough for him to return to the lineup in a few days.
After enduring an ugly collision with Pirates third baseman Jose Bautista during the fourth inning of Friday night's victory at PNC Park, Jones felt that it would likely be his left quadriceps muscle that kept him from playing on Saturday night. But it turned out to be a pair of bruised thumbs.
"I could play with my quad," Jones said. "I can't grip a bat. I've got no grip strength at all."
Jones, who had been battling a sore right wrist for a few weeks, will almost definitely miss Sunday's series finale. There's obviously a chance he could also miss the first couple games of the upcoming four-game set against the Nationals at RFK Stadium.
But for now, Jones, who played the remainder of Friday night's game, and Braves manager Bobby Cox are thinking the bruised thumbs will only keep him out of the lineup for a few days.
"Knowing Chipper, it will be sooner [rather] than later," said Cox of his veteran third baseman, who is hitting .303 with 10 homers and a .636 slugging percentage.
While not playing in more than 110 games during either of the past two seasons, Jones was beginning to earn the undesirable label of being an injury-prone player. Thus he entered this season hoping to play in at least 150 games. Until Friday's unavoidable collision, he had been out of the lineup just once this season, and that day off was provided just to give him some rest .
As he sprinted toward third base on a double steal, Jones had no time to avoid Bautista, who had just fielded a sharp Jeff Francoeur grounder. While attempting to leap over Bautista, his left quad hit the Pirates third baseman's left shoulder.
This caused Jones to tumble and break his fall with his hands. His left wrist bore the majority of his weight when he hit the ground.
There were some who wondered why Jones wasn't called out for interference on the play. A runner must give the fielder a chance to field the ball. The fact that Bautista had already gained control of the grounder prevented interference from coming into play.
The O's had hoped to activate Scott Williamson from the disabled list yesterday, but they decided they'd rather have a long reliever for that game, according to the Baltimore Sun. Jon Leicester was injured during the game, so Williamson definitely will come off the DL prior today's game.
Jon Leicester was forced to leave yesterday's game with a shoulder injury, according to the Baltimore Sun. The Orioles plan to either place him on the disabled list or designate him for assignment today to clear room on their roster for the return of Scott Williamson.
Bruce Bochy wants to give Ray Durham a day off Sunday, the AP reports.
Barry Bonds is scheduled to have a day off Sunday, the Associated Press reports.
Nationals closer Chad Cordero (personal) is doubtful and 1B Dmitri Young (foot) is doubtful.
Bruce Bochy wants to give Ray Durham a day off Sunday, the AP reports.
Barry Bonds is scheduled to have a day off Sunday, the Associated Press reports.
Giants manager Bruce Bochy indicated that he planned to give Barry Bonds, Ray Durham and Rich Aurilia a day off on Sunday, and they are officially listed as doubtful.
Mets option Pelfrey; recall Gomez
May 13th, 2007
Flushing, NY (Sports Network) - The New York Mets optioned struggling right- hander Mike Pelfrey to Triple-A New Orleans on Sunday, and recalled outfielder Carlos Gomez.
Pelfrey was 0-5 with a 6.53 earned run average in six starts for New York, accounting for five of the club's 13 losses this season.
Pelfrey appeared in four games last year, posting a 2-1 record with a 5.48 ERA.
Gomez, 21, was hitting .286 with 13 RBI and 17 stolen bases in 36 games with New Orleans.
Mariners acquire Davis from Indians
May 13th, 2007
Seattle, WA (Sports Network) - The Seattle Mariners acquired pitcher Jason Davis from the Cleveland Indians on Sunday in exchange for a player to be named later.
In eight games this season for Cleveland, Davis has a 4.76 earned run average.
"We think Davis can help us in the bullpen," said Seattle executive vice president and general manager Bill Bavasi. "He was very effective last year after being moved full-time to the bullpen, and his ability to work long or short should give (manager Mike Hargrove) additional options."
For his career, Davis is 18-22 with a 4.69 ERA in 114 games.
Clemens to begin return on Friday
May 13th, 2007
Seattle, WA (Sports Network) - The New York Yankees announced that Roger Clemens will begin workouts this week and make a start for the Class-A Tampa Yankees on Friday.
The 44-year-old Clemens, who signed a pro-rated $28 million for the final four months of the season, will throw a bullpen session on Tuesday before taking the mound on Friday against Fort Myers at Legends Field at 7:00 p.m. (et).
Clemens spent the past three seasons with the Houston Astros after his first retirement following the 2003 campaign with New York. He pitched with the Yankees from 1999 through 2003, winning a pair of World Series titles during his five years with the club.
The future Hall of Famer notched a record of 77-36 with a 3.99 ERA during his first tenure with the Yankees. He won the 2001 AL Cy Young Award with New York, and his seven Cy Young trophies are the most in baseball history.
An 11-time All-Star, Clemens' 348 victories rank eighth in big league history. He is also one of just four pitchers with more than 4,000 strikeouts, as his 4,604 trail only Nolan Ryan on the all-time list.
Twins demote Ponson
May 13th, 2007
Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - The Minnesota Twins have designated pitcher Sidney Ponson for assignment, the team announced on Sunday.
Ponson has had a tough start to the season, his first with Minnesota and 10th overall, as he has posted a 2-5 record with a 6.93 earned-run average. He has lost four of his last five starts.
To replace Ponson on the roster, Minnesota recalled first baseman/outfielder Garrett Jones from Triple-A Rochester. In 30 games with the Red Wings this season, he is batting .305 with five home runs and 23 RBI.
Boston's Beckett leaves early
May 13th, 2007
Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Josh Beckett left Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles after four innings with a torn flap of skin on his right middle finger.
Beckett, who was attempting to become the major league's first eight-game winner, gave up two runs on just two hits. The right-hander also struck out seven and walked two.
Beckett was also looking to join the great Babe Ruth as one of four Red Sox pitchers to win their first eight starts of a season.