MLB News and Notes May - 24

Johnson to miss start with forearm tendinitis
May 23, 2007

PHOENIX (AP) -Arizona left-hander Randy Johnson will miss his next start Friday with tendinitis in his forearm.

Manager Bob Melvin said there is no plan for the 43-year-old Johnson to go on the disabled list.

``It's just a forearm thing that tightened up on him, so we're going to try to be proactive,'' Melvin said.

Johnson, who had back surgery last October, pitched 5 2-3 innings in a 5-2 victory at Pittsburgh on Sunday, allowing two runs and seven hits and striking out a season-high 10. He has won his last two starts.

Melvin said Johnson reported tightness in his forearm after the club returned to Phoenix.

``It was kind of an odd deal that popped up,'' Melvin said. ``We thought it might be something that went away.''

Right-hander Edgar Gonzalez, who is 1-2 with a 4.81 ERA, is expected to take Johnson's spot against Houston.

Indians call up RHP Koplove
May 23, 2007

CLEVELAND (AP) -The Indians called up reliever Mike Koplove from Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday and sent down reliever Edward Mujica.

Koplove was 2-0 with three saves and a 1.00 ERA in 17 relief appearances at Buffalo. He was signed March 29 after spending training camp with the Florida Marlins.

The 30-year-old has a career record of 15-7 and a 3.76 ERA in 217 relief appearances over the last six seasons, all with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Tsao goes on disabled list; Dodgers recall Brazoban
May 23, 2007

LOS ANGELES (AP) -The Dodgers placed reliever Chin-hui Tsao on the disabled list because of a right shoulder strain Wednesday, and recalled Yhency Brazoban from Triple-A Las Vegas.

Tsao was 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA in 15 games for the Dodgers. He has allowed 12 hits and six runs, all earned, in 18 innings with six walks and 15 strikeouts.

Brazoban had no record with a 1.98 ERA in 11 games for Las Vegas. He allowed six hits and three runs in 13 2-3 innings while walking three and striking out 14.

Brazoban underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow on April 18, 2006, and hasn't pitched in the majors since then. He pitched in only five innings last season with a 5.40 ERA. He was injured while throwing a pitch to Jeromy Burnitz at Pittsburgh six days before his surgery.

The 26-year-old Brazoban served as both a closer and a setup man in 2005, setting franchise rookie records by appearing in 74 games and recording 21 saves - second-best among major league rookies.

Mariners place Reitsma on DL, recall Green
May 23, 2007

SEATTLE (AP) -The Seattle Mariners placed right-hander Chris Reitsma on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday due to inflammation in his right elbow, and right-hander Sean Green was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma to take his place in the bullpen.

Reitsma's move was retroactive to May 19. The 29-year-old, who began last season as Atlanta's closer, is 0-1 with a 4.86 ERA in 16 games for the Mariners this season. He had surgery on the same elbow last summer, ending his brief stint as the Braves' closer. The procedure cut a rare muscle that had wrapped around a nerve and was causing Reitsma's hand to go numb.

Dr. James Andrews, the renowned surgeon in Birmingham, Ala., who performed the operation last July 18, told Reitsma that the only other person he'd ever seen with that condition was country music singer Kenny Rogers.

Still, the Mariners took a $2.05 million risk on Reitsma to be their setup man this season. With starter Jeff Weaver still on the DL with shoulder tendinitis, Seattle has more than $10.3 million in pitching currently sidelined. That doesn't include veteran Arthur Rhodes, expected to be a Seattle's primary left-handed setup man. He is out for the season following elbow surgery.

Green, 28, had a 5.06 ERA in three appearances over two stints for the Mariners earlier this season.

Angels activate Kendrick, place Izturis on DL
May 23rd, 2007

Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - The Angels activated second baseman Howie Kendrick off the 15-day disabled list and placed infielder Maicer Izturis on the DL.

Kendrick has been out since suffering a broken bone in the middle finger of his left hand on April 17 when he was hit by a pitch.

Kendrick was batting .327 with two homers, four RBI and six runs scored this season.

Izturis, suffering from a hamstring strain, is batting .245 with one homer and 14 RBI in 29 games this season.

Pavano headed for surgery
May 23, 2007

NEW YORK (AP) -Carl Pavano is headed for reconstructive elbow surgery, probably ending his unproductive stint with the New York Yankees and making his contract a $40 million bust.

After being examined by four doctors over the past few weeks, Pavano met Wednesday with Yankees general manager Brian Cashman to go over all the medical documents. Pavano's agent, Gregg Clifton, said the pitcher will have the operation.

``All four doctors conclude that he has a damaged ligament and recommend Tommy John surgery,'' Cashman said.

The right-hander will be sidelined for most if not all of what remains on his $39.95 million, four-year deal, which runs through 2008.

``The time is not on our side, obviously, for him to get totally recovered,'' Cashman said. ``Is it possible? Outside possibility the second half of next year, but everything would have to go right.

``It's unfortunate, it really is. When we signed him we had high expectations.''

Cashman said Pavano has a tear in his elbow ligament.

``Some of the doctors say it's possible that, he's gone through rest and therapy and a throwing program, it's possible to try that again. But there's some risks that can go with that. You could do further damage to the elbow,'' Cashman said.

Clifton said Dr. James Andrews will operate soon.

``Now that the parties have had an opportunity to discuss this together, they've come to the conclusion surgery is Carl's only option,'' Clifton said. ``We will attempt to schedule surgery as quickly as possible with Dr. Andrews. We hope to have a date for surgery by Thursday, once we have an opportunity to confer with Dr. Andrews and his scheduling team.''

Pavano hasn't pitched since April 9. He saw Yankees physician Dr. Stuart Hershon, New York Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek, Los Angeles Angels medical director Dr. Lewis Yocum and Andrews.

It remained unclear whether the ligament was fully or partially torn.

``Tears don't heal on their own, but the good news is in this day and age, there is a way and an ability to correct the tear and give Carl the opportunity to resume his career,'' Clifton said.

A free-agent flop since signing with the Yankees before the 2005 season, Pavano is 5-7 in 19 starts, including 1-0 with a 4.76 ERA in two starts this year. He was sidelined from June 27, 2005, through the 2006 season by shoulder, back, elbow and rib injuries, then returned this year. He felt forearm soreness during a win at Minnesota on April 9, an injury the Yankees didn't originally think was serious.

Cashman said he's seen all the medical records on Pavano the past three years, and all his injuries have been legitimate.

``I never once thought that he laid down on this club,'' Cashman said.

Phils' Myers leaves game with injury

Miami, FL (Sports Network) - Philadelphia Phillies closer Brett Myers left Wednesday's game against Florida with a strained right shoulder.

The Phillies scored three runs in the top of the ninth to take a 7-3 lead and Philadelphia turned to Myers get the final three outs of the game. However, things got dicey as Todd Linden and Alfredo Amezaga led off the inning with back-to-back bloop singles.

Dan Uggla then roped a line drive to right field and legged out a triple, scoring both runs. Hanley Ramirez followed with a sacrifice bunt, but Phils first baseman Greg Dobbs inexplicably threw home as Uggla easily scored to bring Florida within a run.

Myers then struck out Miguel Cabrera, hit Josh Willingham and struck out Jeremy Hermida for the second out of the inning. Aaron Boone followed with a single to left, and left fielder Jason Werth's throw home clearly beat Ramirez, who was attempting to score on the base hit.

However, catcher Rod Barajas stood up after receiving Werth's throw and Ramirez slid under his tag to tie the game.

Then, on Myers' second pitch to Miguel Olivo, the right-hander uncorked a wild throw and immediately grabbed his right arm before leaving the game.

Clay Condrey took over for Myers and, after walking Olivo to load the bases, got Linden to hit a line drive right that he made a nice grab on.

Myers began the season as Philadelphia's opening-day starter before he was moved to the bullpen. Tom Gordon was then placed on the disabled list and Myers stepped into the closer's role.

Baseball Today - May 24
Thu, May 24, 2007
By Associated Press

SCOREBOARD Thursday, May 24

New York at Atlanta (7:35 p.m. EDT). Longtime teammates Tom Glavine and John Smoltz square off in a battle for first place in the NL East.

STARS Wednesday

- Jose Guillen, Mariners, had four hits and two RBIs in Seattle's 5-1 win over Tampa Bay.

- Magglio Ordonez, Tigers, homered twice and Detroit beat Los Angeles 8-7.

- Oliver Perez, Mets, threw seven dominant innings, helping New York beat Atlanta 3-0.

- Ryan Church, Nationals, hit two homers and drove in a career-high six runs, powering Washington past Cincinnati 12-7.

- Russell Martin, Dodgers, had four RBIs and Los Angeles beat Milwaukee 5-1.

- Bengie Molina, Giants, drove in four runs to lead San Francisco to a 9-1 win over Houston.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Justin Morneau homered in Minnesota's 5-3 win at Texas on Wednesday and improved to 14-for-36 (.389) with six homers and 15 RBIs in his last two seasons at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

SIDELINED

Carl Pavano is headed for reconstructive elbow surgery, probably ending his unproductive stint with the New York Yankees and making his contract a $40 million bust. Pavano's agent, Gregg Clifton, said on Wednesday the pitcher will have the operation. The right-hander will be sidelined for most if not all of what remains on his $39.95 million, four-year deal, which runs through 2008.

ROCKET NEARING LIFTOFF

Roger Clemens allowed three runs and six hits in 5 1-3 innings on Wednesday while pitching for the New York Yankees' Double-A Trenton farm team against Boston's Portland, Maine, affiliate. In his second minor league start since signing with the Yankees, he threw 64 of 102 pitches for strikes, struggling at times with his control and what appeared to be heavy legs. The 44-year-old may make his next start for the Yankees next week at Toronto.

STREAKING

Ichiro Suzuki extended his hitting streak to 16-games in Seattle's 5-1 win over Tampa Bay on Wednesday. ... New York's Oliver Perez improved to 3-0 against Atlanta this season with a 3-0 win. ... Kansas City won for the eighth time in 10 games with a 11-7 win over Cleveland. ... San Diego's Kevin Kouzmanoff homered for the second straight game in a 2-1 win over Chicago and now has 10 hits in his last 19 at-bats.

SNAPPED

Kip Wells ended a seven-game losing streak with seven strong innings and was backed by three home runs, a rare power display that helped the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-3 on Wednesday night.

SWIPED

Corey Patterson stole home in Baltimore's 5-2 win over Toronto on Wednesday - the first Oriole to do so since Chris Richard in 2001.

MILESTONE

Derek Jeter passed Joe DiMaggio for fifth place on the franchise hits list with his 2,215th hit in New York's 8-3 win over Boston on Wednesday. ... Cleveland opened a game with back-to-back home runs for only the third time in franchise history during a 11-7 loss at Kansas City. Grady Sizemore's leadoff shot was Cleveland's 11,000th home run, and the count reached 11,002 by night's end.

DOMINATING

Colorado's Jeff Francis improved to 7-1 lifetime against the Diamondbacks, and 4-0 at Chase Field with a 2-0 win over Arizona on Wednesday.

SPEAKING

''The weirdest inning of all time.'' Philadelphia's Aaron Rowand on the ninth inning of the Phillies' 8-7, 10 inning win over Florida on Wednesday. Trailing 7-3 heading to the bottom ninth, Florida tied the game with a bizarre rally that included two ejections, two defensive gaffes by the Phillies and an injury to their closer, Brett Myers, who left with a strained right shoulder.

Padres: Giles sits again with sore knee

Brian Giles missed his third straight game on Wednesday with a bruised right knee, according to the AP. Although manager Bud Black continues to have concern about the injury, he believes Giles will be back in the lineup soon. The Padres are likely to give Giles at least a couple of more games off to rest his ailing knee

Cardinals: Franklin out with strep throat

Ryan Franklin has contracted strep throat and was not at the ballpark on Wednesday, according to the AP. Manager Tony La Russa had no estimate when Franklin would return.

Athletics: Buck sits with sore elbow

Travis Buck missed his second straight game after he was a late scratch from the lineup Wednesday, according to the AP. He has been dealing with sore right elbow for most of the season.

Athletics: Chavez sits with sore elbow

Eric Chavez was out of the lineup for the second consecutive game on Wednesday, according to the AP. Chavez is dealing with tendinitis in his triceps and hopes to return to the lineup for the series opener against the Orioles. "He's going to have another day off today," manager Bob Geren said. "With the day off (Thursday), it will end up being three days off and he's optimistic about playing Friday at Baltimore."

It's amazing how the injury bug has bit the A's 😮

Tigers activated SP Jeremy Bonderman and he will start this afternoon after missing more than two weeks with a blister on his right middle finger.

Mariners LF Raul Ibanez (back) is doubtful.

Devil Rays C Josh Paul (elbow) is doubtful.

Devil Rays place Paul on DL
May 24, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -The Tampa Bay Devil Rays placed backup catcher Josh Paul on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with a sprained left elbow and recalled catcher Shawn Riggans from Triple-A Durham.

Devil Rays manager Joe Maddon said Paul could miss six to eight weeks.

Paul hurt the arm on a play at the plate in last Saturday's game against Florida. His arm was hit by the leg of a sliding Miguel Oliva when he tried to reach across the foul line to apply a tag.

Riggans hit .295 with four homers and 14 RBIs in 29 games at Durham. Maddon said Riggans will get playing time with the Devil Rays.

Tampa Bay's starting catcher, Dioner Navarro, has struggled at the plate this season. He started Thursday hitting .184 with six RBIs in 33 games.

Phillies 2B Chase Utley (rest) will NOT be in the starting lineup tonight.

Braves 3B Chipper Jones (rest) will NOT be in the starting lineup tonight.

Blue Jays RF Alex Rios is not expected to be in the starting lineup tonight.

Twins put Reyes on DL, adding to health problems in pen
May 24, 2007

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -Minnesota Twins left-hander Dennys Reyes was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with inflammation in his throwing shoulder, further depleting the team's bullpen.

The move, which was expected, is retroactive to Monday. The Twins plan to purchase the contract of left-hander Jason Miller from Triple-A Rochester before Friday's game against Toronto.

To add Miller to the 40-man roster, the team transferred injured infielder Alejandro Machado to the 60-day disabled list.

Reyes, who signed a two-year, $2 million contract extension last summer, upset manager Ron Gardenhire by revealing after his most recent outing Sunday at Milwaukee that his shoulder had been bothering him for several weeks.

After posting a 5-0 record and a 0.89 ERA last year in 50 2-3 innings, Reyes is 0-1 with a 6.57 ERA in 21 appearances. He has given up 18 hits and nine walks in 12 1-3 innings.

Right-hander Jesse Crain will have season-ending surgery on his throwing shoulder Tuesday, and left-hander Glen Perkins was placed on the disabled list earlier this week with a strained muscle in the back of his throwing shoulder.

The 24-year-old Miller, a fourth-round draft pick in 2000, is 1-1 with a 2.84 ERA in 25 1-3 innings for Rochester. Miller has allowed 26 hits and nine walks while striking out 10 in 10 appearances, three of which were starts. He has never pitched in the majors.