Post by John on May 13, 2006 13:23:26 GMT -4
5/19 Updates
Nationals demote Church for second time
Nationals optioned outfielder Ryan Church to Double-A Harrisburg.
Church, who got off to a great start after being recalled in April, had been 4-for-24 since returning from flu-like symptoms earlier this month. He's still the Nationals' best option in center field, and there's a good chance he'll be back soon after he regains his swing. A better team would have given him a little more of an opportunity to work through his problems in the majors. The Nationals will go with Marlon Byrd and Alex Escobar in center for now.
Lidge back in closer's role, earns 12th save
Brad Lidge pitched a scoreless ninth with a two-run lead against the Rangers to pick up his 12th save on Friday night.
Lidge is back in the closer's role after mopping up his last three times out. He looked very good tonight, reaching 98 mph with his fastball. After giving up a leadoff single to Gary Matthews Jr., he struck out Michael Young and Mark Teixeira and got Hank Blalock to pop out to end it. Expect Lidge to be a top-10 closer the rest of the way.
Prior sees first game action of 2006
Source: Cubs.mlb.com
Mark Prior (shoulder) threw 38 pitches over two innings in an extended spring training game on Friday.
"He threw two innings and threw well," pitching coach Larry Rothschild said. "His stuff is coming along, it's better. His fastball velocity came up a little bit." Prior is expected to make one or two appearances in Arizona. He'll then begin an official rehab assignment. Assuming that there's no setbacks, he could return in three or four weeks.
Orioles' Roberts has setback with groin
Source: Baltimore Sun
Brian Roberts is still bothered by tightness in his groin. He won't come off the disabled list until Sunday at the earliest.
All indications were that Roberts would be back at second base for tonight's game. Instead, Ed Rogers is playing. It's possible that Roberts will miss at least several more games. Even if he does return Sunday, he might not be much of a basestealer intially.
Pavano expected to undergo elbow surgery
Source: ESPN.com
Manager Joe Torre told WFAN on Friday that Carl Pavano will need surgery to remove bone chips above his right elbow.
If that's the extent of his arm problems, it could be considered good news for Pavano. The surgery will set back another couple of months, but it could leave open the possibility that he will contribute in August or September.
Orioles' Mora gets $25 million extension
Orioles signed third baseman Melvin Mora to a three-year, $25 million contract extension with a club option for 2010.
We don't have all of the details yet, but Mora will make $24 million for three years. The extra million comes in the form of a buyout of the option. Mora is going to be 35 at the start of 2007, so the Orioles are taking quite a chance here. Still, this is better than the $27 million-$30 million we thought he might receive.
5/18 Updates
Pavano out indefinitely after setback
Carl Pavano couldn't straighten his arm Thursday after leaving his rehab start Wednesday with right triceps tightness.
Pavano said he didn't know he'd do next. "No idea. But as far as pitching, I don't think that's the next step at all," he said. The Yankees shouldn't be expecting any sort of positive contribution from Pavano this year. "It's a shutdown right now, actually," manager Joe Torre said. "... When you have problems as early as he did last night we certainly have to make sure that there's no discomfort before you proceed."
Tigers' Young charged with domestic violence
Source: Detroit Free Press
Dmitri Young was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence after being accused of choking his former girlfriend in the early morning hours of April 14.
Young, who didn't play Wednesday against the Twins, is expected to turn himself in to authorities on Monday under a deal worked out with prosecutors. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 93 days in jail and a $500 fine. "It's a bum deal," Young said. "Unfortunately it's public knowledge. I don't see this person any more."
5/17 Updates
Dessens takes over as Royals' closer
Source: Royals.mlb.com
Elmer Dessens was named Wednesday as the Royals' replacement for Ambiorix Burgos in the closer's role.
Mike Wood apparently will be second in line for saves, as the Royals are going to use their middle relievers last and the former late-game relievers earlier. Since Mike MacDougal is likely to get every opportunity to replace his job when he returns in four to six weeks, Dessens probably won't be good for more than eight or 10 saves this season. He is worth picking up in mixed leagues.
Brewers lose SS Hardy for 2-6 weeks
Brewers placed shortstop J.J. Hardy on 15-day disabled list with a severe sprain of the distal ligament in his right ankle.
The Brewers said that Hardy could miss anywhere from two weeks to six weeks. Bill Hall will be the Brewers' everyday shortstop until Hardy comes back, giving him plenty of value in mixed leagues. Corey Hart replaced Hardy on the active roster and will serve as a backup in the outfield and the infield corners.
Twins option Lohse to Triple-A
Twins optioned RHP Kyle Lohse to Triple-A Rochester.
It's about time the Twins did something aggressive. Lohse was 2-4 with an 8.92 ERA in eight starts. He should return later on and be an adequate fourth or fifth starter, but this is the best move for the ballclub. Boof Bonser will replace him in the rotation and start Sunday against the Brewers.
Clemens steps up workout program
Source: ESPN.com
According to agent Randy Hendricks, Roger Clemens has "accelerated his workout program" as he prepares to make a decision on whether to pitch this season.
ESPN's Jayson Stark believes a decision is somewhere between 10 and 21 days away. "He'll tell me the team, and then I'll make a deal in 24 hours," Hendricks said. If he chooses to return, Clemens is expected to receive $3 million-$4 million per month to pitch for the Astros, Yankees, Red Sox or Rangers.
Brewers' Hardy suffers ankle sprain
J.J. Hardy will have an MRI on Wednesday after suffering a sprained right ankle on a collision at home plate during Tuesday's game.
Hardy didn't try putting any weight on the ankle and had to be helped off the field. If he goes on the DL, the Brewers will play Bill Hall regularly at shortstop. It's likely that Corey Hart will be called up to act as a reserve outfielder and maybe start at third base against left-handers.
Yankees overcome nine-run deficit to win
Jorge Posada hit a two-run homer off Akinori Otsuka with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to give the Yankees a 14-13 win over the Rangers on Tuesday night.
The Yankees were down 9-0 after 1 1/2 innings tonight. They tied it at 10 in the sixth, fell down a run again in the seventh and in the ninth, when the Rangers scored off Mariano Rivera, but won on Posada's walkoff. Posada had five RBI in all while making a very rare appearance in the cleanup spot. It was the fourth time ever the Yankees had come back from nine down to win.
5/16 Updates
Sheets could miss another month
Source: Brewers.mlb.com
Brewers GM Doug Melvin indicated Tuesday that he's prepared to be without Ben Sheets (shoulder) for another four weeks.
Sheets' troubles seem to get worse with every comment the Brewers make. "I'm focusing [on being] without Ben Sheets for the next four weeks," Melvin said. "If he's back sooner, then it's a bonus to us. If he's not back in four weeks, then we'll evaluate it at that time. ... We don't know, the doctors don't know, Ben doesn't know right now."
Lieberthal has slight fracture in knee
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer
An MRI showed that Mike Lieberthal has a slight fracture in his left knee, but the Phillies still think he could return to the field in a couple of weeks.
Lieberthal has been out since May 4, when he was hit by a pitch. It looks like Carlos Ruiz and Sal Fasano will continue splitting time behind the plate for the Phillies through the end of the month.
5/15 Updates
Yankees' Sturtze could miss rest of the season
Yankees manager Joe Torre said that, barring some good news for Dr. James Andrews, Tanyon Sturtze likely would miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.
The Yankees revealed earlier in the day that Sturtze has a small tear in the rotator cuff and bursitis in his right shoulder. It sounds like surgery is the plan, unless Andrews has a better idea.
MRI negative on Cabrera's shoulder
The Orioles said an MRI revealed no structural damage in Daniel Cabrera's right shoulder. He's sidelined with a muscle strain.
Cabrera, who was placed on the disabled list today, might be back after missing two or three starts. The Orioles could still choose Hayden Penn to replace him in the rotation next week, but if it's going to be one and done, the chances of them picking someone else would increase.
D'Backs, Tracy settle on $13.25 million extension
Diamondbacks signed third baseman Chad Tracy to a three-year, $13.25 million contract extensin through 2009 with a club option for 2010.
Tracy, who is making $381,000 this season, gets a $1 million signing bonus, $2.75 million next year, $3.75 million in 2008 and $4.75 million in 2009. There's a $7 million club option with a $1 million buyout for 2010, which is Tracy's first year of free agency. This looks like a bargain for the Diamondbacks. If Tracy remains healthy and relatively productive, he would have earned $3 million-$4 million more over his final two years of arbitration eligibility.
Twins' Liriano moving into the rotation
Francisco Liriano will move into the rotation and start Friday against the Brewers.
He'll be replacing Carlos Silva. If Liriano was somehow dropped in your mixed league, grab him now. He'll be on a rather low pitch count initially, so he may not be all that valuable right off. However, he could easily be one of the top 10 or 15 starters in the AL over the rest of the season.
5/14 Updates
Buehrle wins despite seven-run first inning
With some help from a sixth-inning triple play, Mark Buehrle on Sunday night became the first pitcher since 1900 to win a game after giving up seven runs in the first inning.
Only one of the runs was earned, though that makes it sound less his fault than it was, considering he contributed to the mess with a wild throw on a potential double-play ball. Buehrle didn't give up a run in the following five innings. The triple play on a popped-up bunt from Luis Castillo brought an end to his outing, and Cliff Politte, Neal Cotts and Bobby Jenks combined to finish up the 9-7 victory. Buehrle is 4-2 with a 3.42 ERA.
Pirates demote former regular Duffy
Pirates optioned outfielder Chris Duffy to Triple-A Nashville.
Interesting that the Pirates chose to give him one last start on Sunday before sending him down. If he had gone 1-for-4 or 2-for-4 instead of 0-for-4, would Dave Littlefield and Jim Tracy have changed their minds? The Pirates should have opened the season with either Duffy or Nate McLouth in the minors. Instead, neither player regularly and it took a month for either to make any sort of positive contribtution. Duffy's demotion comes after he hit .194 in 98 at-bats. As the best defender among the Pirates' options in center, he'll likely have more opportunities.
5/13 Updates
Francoeur hits walkoff grand slam versus Nats
Jeff Francoeur hit a walkoff grand slam to give the Braves an 8-5 win over the Nationals on Saturday night.
Francoeur earlier doubled in the game, extending his hitting streak to 11 games. The homer came against Chad Cordero with two outs in the bottom of the ninth. Francoeur managed to lay off a low-and-away slider he probably would have swung at a couple of weeks ago on the first pitch of the at-bat. The next pitch was a hanging slider down the middle that was practically gone before Francoeur even started his swing. The Braves have won five of their last six games.
Pujols fastest ever to 19 homers
Albert Pujols went 3-for-5 and hit his 19th homer Saturday night against the Diamondbacks.
Reaching the mark in 37 games, Pujols is the fastest ever to 19 homers, beating Mickey Mantle in 1956 and Luis Gonzalez in 2001 by three games. He has three RBI tonight, bringing his league-leading total to 47. One of his outs in the game was a long fly to the warning track in center field.
Abreu scratched with back spasms
Bobby Abreu was a late scratch from Saturday's starting lineup due to back spasms.
The Phillies were planning to have Shane Victorino lead off and Jimmy Rollins bat third, but Abreu's absence caused them to go back to a more traditional lineup. Rolling led off and was followed by Victorino, Chase Utley and Pat Burrell. Chris Roberson started in right field with the Phillies facing a lefty.
Dodgers' Mueller to undergo knee surgery
Source: Dodgers.mlb.com
Bill Mueller will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Monday and is expected to miss four to five weeks.
Mueller will have fraying repaired and loose bodies removed. He also has a bone spur in the area, but it won't be known what other work will be needed until the surgery. Willy Aybar is expected to be the Dodgers' primary third baseman until Mueller returns. May. 13 - 5:39 pm et
Bonds batting third versus Dodgers
Barry Bonds is being moved up into the third spot in the order for Saturday's game against the Dodgers. Steve Finley is batting fourth.
"I think it's a good time to do that," manager Felipe Alou said. "He's not hitting right now. Though he's not hitting, they're still walking him. We don't have a cleanup hitter because they're not pitching to him. Maybe this move will invite some people. He's going to come up in the first inning for sure." It'd still make more sense to bat Bonds second, but third is better than fourth and has been for years.
A's Chavez unlikely to go Saturday
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Eric Chavez has lost 10 pounds due to bacterial infection the past four days and doubts he'll be ready to go Saturday.
He was well enough Friday to come to the park and do some light activity, but his only solid food the past four days has been three slices of bread, so the A's did not want to overwork him.
Surgery looming for Mueller?
Source: Los Angeles Times
If the inflammation in Bill Mueller's right knee does not improve, arthroscopic surgery is a strong possibility.
"Surgery has been discussed," he said. "This is the same thing I had two years ago." He had the procedure on the knee in 2004 and was out from May 19 to July 2. Willy Aybar will get a chance for regular at-bats at the hot corner in his stead.
5/12 Updates
Wood allows one run in five innings in rehab start
Kerry Wood (shoulder) yielded one run and five hits over five innings in his rehab start for Triple-A Iowa on Friday night. He fanned three.
Wood's velocity was down tonight. While he topped out at 97 mph in his previous start, he was mostly around 90 mph tonight, peaking at 93 mph. Maybe it was the result of some cold weather in Des Moines. If Wood is completely healthy, he figures to make his season debut Wednesday against the Nationals.
Dodgers' Mueller placed on 15-day DL
Dodgers placed third baseman Bill Mueller on the 15-day disabled list with soreness in his right knee.
Mueller last week aggravated the knee that has bothered him for years. He returned to play the last three days, but it was still bothering him and the Dodgers are doing the smart thing here. Willy Aybar is starting at third base tonight. It would be for the best if he gets most of the playing time for the next two weeks. He should have some short-term value in NL-only leagues.
Hamels pitches five scoreless in debut
Cole Hamels struck out seven and walked five over five scoreless innings Friday against the Reds in his major league debut.
Hamels was off with his command in his major league debut, but he'll get better. He gave up just one hit, that to Felipe Lopez, in the contest. Unfortunately, the 2-0 lead he departed with was quickly surrendered by Ryan Madson, who gave up two solo homers in the sixth. Hamels needs to be owned in mixed leagues as well as NL-only leagues.
Lidge temporarily removed from closer's role
Brad Lidge is being removed from the closer's role as the Astros tweak his mechanics and have him resume working from the windup.
One day after manager Phil Garner said it wasn't an option. "He's flying open," Garner said. "What that means is when your front shoulder goes out too soon, your ball tends to flatten out. Fastballs don't have the same finish on them and more importantly your slider doesn't have the same break on it that it normally does. So that's been his major issue." Dan Wheeler and Chad Qualls are candidates to fill in for at least the next few days. "[Lidge is] still my closer," Garner said. "This is a move not to take him out of the closer role as it is to try to get him where I think he's right. He's not exactly pleased with the situation, but I feel certain he'll be OK.
Matsui undergoes surgery for wrist fracture
Hideki Matsui underwent successful surgery on his fractured left wrist Friday morning, and the Yankees still believe he'll miss at least three months.
The Yankees still haven't released the exact details of the break or breaks. Until they do, there's no telling whether he'll be back before season's end.
Phillies place OF Rowand on 15-day DL
Phillies placed outfielder Aaron Rowand on the 15-day disabled list with a broken nose and non-displaced fractures around the left eye.
The fractures around the eye probably have more to do with the DL trip than the broken nose and might serve to keep him out beyond the minimum 15 days. Shane Victorino should be a regular while Rowand is out, giving him short-term value in NL-only leagues. Chris Roberson was recalled to fill the open roster spot and keep the Phillies at five outfielders.
Nationals demote Church for second time
Nationals optioned outfielder Ryan Church to Double-A Harrisburg.
Church, who got off to a great start after being recalled in April, had been 4-for-24 since returning from flu-like symptoms earlier this month. He's still the Nationals' best option in center field, and there's a good chance he'll be back soon after he regains his swing. A better team would have given him a little more of an opportunity to work through his problems in the majors. The Nationals will go with Marlon Byrd and Alex Escobar in center for now.
Lidge back in closer's role, earns 12th save
Brad Lidge pitched a scoreless ninth with a two-run lead against the Rangers to pick up his 12th save on Friday night.
Lidge is back in the closer's role after mopping up his last three times out. He looked very good tonight, reaching 98 mph with his fastball. After giving up a leadoff single to Gary Matthews Jr., he struck out Michael Young and Mark Teixeira and got Hank Blalock to pop out to end it. Expect Lidge to be a top-10 closer the rest of the way.
Prior sees first game action of 2006
Source: Cubs.mlb.com
Mark Prior (shoulder) threw 38 pitches over two innings in an extended spring training game on Friday.
"He threw two innings and threw well," pitching coach Larry Rothschild said. "His stuff is coming along, it's better. His fastball velocity came up a little bit." Prior is expected to make one or two appearances in Arizona. He'll then begin an official rehab assignment. Assuming that there's no setbacks, he could return in three or four weeks.
Orioles' Roberts has setback with groin
Source: Baltimore Sun
Brian Roberts is still bothered by tightness in his groin. He won't come off the disabled list until Sunday at the earliest.
All indications were that Roberts would be back at second base for tonight's game. Instead, Ed Rogers is playing. It's possible that Roberts will miss at least several more games. Even if he does return Sunday, he might not be much of a basestealer intially.
Pavano expected to undergo elbow surgery
Source: ESPN.com
Manager Joe Torre told WFAN on Friday that Carl Pavano will need surgery to remove bone chips above his right elbow.
If that's the extent of his arm problems, it could be considered good news for Pavano. The surgery will set back another couple of months, but it could leave open the possibility that he will contribute in August or September.
Orioles' Mora gets $25 million extension
Orioles signed third baseman Melvin Mora to a three-year, $25 million contract extension with a club option for 2010.
We don't have all of the details yet, but Mora will make $24 million for three years. The extra million comes in the form of a buyout of the option. Mora is going to be 35 at the start of 2007, so the Orioles are taking quite a chance here. Still, this is better than the $27 million-$30 million we thought he might receive.
5/18 Updates
Pavano out indefinitely after setback
Carl Pavano couldn't straighten his arm Thursday after leaving his rehab start Wednesday with right triceps tightness.
Pavano said he didn't know he'd do next. "No idea. But as far as pitching, I don't think that's the next step at all," he said. The Yankees shouldn't be expecting any sort of positive contribution from Pavano this year. "It's a shutdown right now, actually," manager Joe Torre said. "... When you have problems as early as he did last night we certainly have to make sure that there's no discomfort before you proceed."
Tigers' Young charged with domestic violence
Source: Detroit Free Press
Dmitri Young was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence after being accused of choking his former girlfriend in the early morning hours of April 14.
Young, who didn't play Wednesday against the Twins, is expected to turn himself in to authorities on Monday under a deal worked out with prosecutors. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 93 days in jail and a $500 fine. "It's a bum deal," Young said. "Unfortunately it's public knowledge. I don't see this person any more."
5/17 Updates
Dessens takes over as Royals' closer
Source: Royals.mlb.com
Elmer Dessens was named Wednesday as the Royals' replacement for Ambiorix Burgos in the closer's role.
Mike Wood apparently will be second in line for saves, as the Royals are going to use their middle relievers last and the former late-game relievers earlier. Since Mike MacDougal is likely to get every opportunity to replace his job when he returns in four to six weeks, Dessens probably won't be good for more than eight or 10 saves this season. He is worth picking up in mixed leagues.
Brewers lose SS Hardy for 2-6 weeks
Brewers placed shortstop J.J. Hardy on 15-day disabled list with a severe sprain of the distal ligament in his right ankle.
The Brewers said that Hardy could miss anywhere from two weeks to six weeks. Bill Hall will be the Brewers' everyday shortstop until Hardy comes back, giving him plenty of value in mixed leagues. Corey Hart replaced Hardy on the active roster and will serve as a backup in the outfield and the infield corners.
Twins option Lohse to Triple-A
Twins optioned RHP Kyle Lohse to Triple-A Rochester.
It's about time the Twins did something aggressive. Lohse was 2-4 with an 8.92 ERA in eight starts. He should return later on and be an adequate fourth or fifth starter, but this is the best move for the ballclub. Boof Bonser will replace him in the rotation and start Sunday against the Brewers.
Clemens steps up workout program
Source: ESPN.com
According to agent Randy Hendricks, Roger Clemens has "accelerated his workout program" as he prepares to make a decision on whether to pitch this season.
ESPN's Jayson Stark believes a decision is somewhere between 10 and 21 days away. "He'll tell me the team, and then I'll make a deal in 24 hours," Hendricks said. If he chooses to return, Clemens is expected to receive $3 million-$4 million per month to pitch for the Astros, Yankees, Red Sox or Rangers.
Brewers' Hardy suffers ankle sprain
J.J. Hardy will have an MRI on Wednesday after suffering a sprained right ankle on a collision at home plate during Tuesday's game.
Hardy didn't try putting any weight on the ankle and had to be helped off the field. If he goes on the DL, the Brewers will play Bill Hall regularly at shortstop. It's likely that Corey Hart will be called up to act as a reserve outfielder and maybe start at third base against left-handers.
Yankees overcome nine-run deficit to win
Jorge Posada hit a two-run homer off Akinori Otsuka with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to give the Yankees a 14-13 win over the Rangers on Tuesday night.
The Yankees were down 9-0 after 1 1/2 innings tonight. They tied it at 10 in the sixth, fell down a run again in the seventh and in the ninth, when the Rangers scored off Mariano Rivera, but won on Posada's walkoff. Posada had five RBI in all while making a very rare appearance in the cleanup spot. It was the fourth time ever the Yankees had come back from nine down to win.
5/16 Updates
Sheets could miss another month
Source: Brewers.mlb.com
Brewers GM Doug Melvin indicated Tuesday that he's prepared to be without Ben Sheets (shoulder) for another four weeks.
Sheets' troubles seem to get worse with every comment the Brewers make. "I'm focusing [on being] without Ben Sheets for the next four weeks," Melvin said. "If he's back sooner, then it's a bonus to us. If he's not back in four weeks, then we'll evaluate it at that time. ... We don't know, the doctors don't know, Ben doesn't know right now."
Lieberthal has slight fracture in knee
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer
An MRI showed that Mike Lieberthal has a slight fracture in his left knee, but the Phillies still think he could return to the field in a couple of weeks.
Lieberthal has been out since May 4, when he was hit by a pitch. It looks like Carlos Ruiz and Sal Fasano will continue splitting time behind the plate for the Phillies through the end of the month.
5/15 Updates
Yankees' Sturtze could miss rest of the season
Yankees manager Joe Torre said that, barring some good news for Dr. James Andrews, Tanyon Sturtze likely would miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.
The Yankees revealed earlier in the day that Sturtze has a small tear in the rotator cuff and bursitis in his right shoulder. It sounds like surgery is the plan, unless Andrews has a better idea.
MRI negative on Cabrera's shoulder
The Orioles said an MRI revealed no structural damage in Daniel Cabrera's right shoulder. He's sidelined with a muscle strain.
Cabrera, who was placed on the disabled list today, might be back after missing two or three starts. The Orioles could still choose Hayden Penn to replace him in the rotation next week, but if it's going to be one and done, the chances of them picking someone else would increase.
D'Backs, Tracy settle on $13.25 million extension
Diamondbacks signed third baseman Chad Tracy to a three-year, $13.25 million contract extensin through 2009 with a club option for 2010.
Tracy, who is making $381,000 this season, gets a $1 million signing bonus, $2.75 million next year, $3.75 million in 2008 and $4.75 million in 2009. There's a $7 million club option with a $1 million buyout for 2010, which is Tracy's first year of free agency. This looks like a bargain for the Diamondbacks. If Tracy remains healthy and relatively productive, he would have earned $3 million-$4 million more over his final two years of arbitration eligibility.
Twins' Liriano moving into the rotation
Francisco Liriano will move into the rotation and start Friday against the Brewers.
He'll be replacing Carlos Silva. If Liriano was somehow dropped in your mixed league, grab him now. He'll be on a rather low pitch count initially, so he may not be all that valuable right off. However, he could easily be one of the top 10 or 15 starters in the AL over the rest of the season.
5/14 Updates
Buehrle wins despite seven-run first inning
With some help from a sixth-inning triple play, Mark Buehrle on Sunday night became the first pitcher since 1900 to win a game after giving up seven runs in the first inning.
Only one of the runs was earned, though that makes it sound less his fault than it was, considering he contributed to the mess with a wild throw on a potential double-play ball. Buehrle didn't give up a run in the following five innings. The triple play on a popped-up bunt from Luis Castillo brought an end to his outing, and Cliff Politte, Neal Cotts and Bobby Jenks combined to finish up the 9-7 victory. Buehrle is 4-2 with a 3.42 ERA.
Pirates demote former regular Duffy
Pirates optioned outfielder Chris Duffy to Triple-A Nashville.
Interesting that the Pirates chose to give him one last start on Sunday before sending him down. If he had gone 1-for-4 or 2-for-4 instead of 0-for-4, would Dave Littlefield and Jim Tracy have changed their minds? The Pirates should have opened the season with either Duffy or Nate McLouth in the minors. Instead, neither player regularly and it took a month for either to make any sort of positive contribtution. Duffy's demotion comes after he hit .194 in 98 at-bats. As the best defender among the Pirates' options in center, he'll likely have more opportunities.
5/13 Updates
Francoeur hits walkoff grand slam versus Nats
Jeff Francoeur hit a walkoff grand slam to give the Braves an 8-5 win over the Nationals on Saturday night.
Francoeur earlier doubled in the game, extending his hitting streak to 11 games. The homer came against Chad Cordero with two outs in the bottom of the ninth. Francoeur managed to lay off a low-and-away slider he probably would have swung at a couple of weeks ago on the first pitch of the at-bat. The next pitch was a hanging slider down the middle that was practically gone before Francoeur even started his swing. The Braves have won five of their last six games.
Pujols fastest ever to 19 homers
Albert Pujols went 3-for-5 and hit his 19th homer Saturday night against the Diamondbacks.
Reaching the mark in 37 games, Pujols is the fastest ever to 19 homers, beating Mickey Mantle in 1956 and Luis Gonzalez in 2001 by three games. He has three RBI tonight, bringing his league-leading total to 47. One of his outs in the game was a long fly to the warning track in center field.
Abreu scratched with back spasms
Bobby Abreu was a late scratch from Saturday's starting lineup due to back spasms.
The Phillies were planning to have Shane Victorino lead off and Jimmy Rollins bat third, but Abreu's absence caused them to go back to a more traditional lineup. Rolling led off and was followed by Victorino, Chase Utley and Pat Burrell. Chris Roberson started in right field with the Phillies facing a lefty.
Dodgers' Mueller to undergo knee surgery
Source: Dodgers.mlb.com
Bill Mueller will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Monday and is expected to miss four to five weeks.
Mueller will have fraying repaired and loose bodies removed. He also has a bone spur in the area, but it won't be known what other work will be needed until the surgery. Willy Aybar is expected to be the Dodgers' primary third baseman until Mueller returns. May. 13 - 5:39 pm et
Bonds batting third versus Dodgers
Barry Bonds is being moved up into the third spot in the order for Saturday's game against the Dodgers. Steve Finley is batting fourth.
"I think it's a good time to do that," manager Felipe Alou said. "He's not hitting right now. Though he's not hitting, they're still walking him. We don't have a cleanup hitter because they're not pitching to him. Maybe this move will invite some people. He's going to come up in the first inning for sure." It'd still make more sense to bat Bonds second, but third is better than fourth and has been for years.
A's Chavez unlikely to go Saturday
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Eric Chavez has lost 10 pounds due to bacterial infection the past four days and doubts he'll be ready to go Saturday.
He was well enough Friday to come to the park and do some light activity, but his only solid food the past four days has been three slices of bread, so the A's did not want to overwork him.
Surgery looming for Mueller?
Source: Los Angeles Times
If the inflammation in Bill Mueller's right knee does not improve, arthroscopic surgery is a strong possibility.
"Surgery has been discussed," he said. "This is the same thing I had two years ago." He had the procedure on the knee in 2004 and was out from May 19 to July 2. Willy Aybar will get a chance for regular at-bats at the hot corner in his stead.
5/12 Updates
Wood allows one run in five innings in rehab start
Kerry Wood (shoulder) yielded one run and five hits over five innings in his rehab start for Triple-A Iowa on Friday night. He fanned three.
Wood's velocity was down tonight. While he topped out at 97 mph in his previous start, he was mostly around 90 mph tonight, peaking at 93 mph. Maybe it was the result of some cold weather in Des Moines. If Wood is completely healthy, he figures to make his season debut Wednesday against the Nationals.
Dodgers' Mueller placed on 15-day DL
Dodgers placed third baseman Bill Mueller on the 15-day disabled list with soreness in his right knee.
Mueller last week aggravated the knee that has bothered him for years. He returned to play the last three days, but it was still bothering him and the Dodgers are doing the smart thing here. Willy Aybar is starting at third base tonight. It would be for the best if he gets most of the playing time for the next two weeks. He should have some short-term value in NL-only leagues.
Hamels pitches five scoreless in debut
Cole Hamels struck out seven and walked five over five scoreless innings Friday against the Reds in his major league debut.
Hamels was off with his command in his major league debut, but he'll get better. He gave up just one hit, that to Felipe Lopez, in the contest. Unfortunately, the 2-0 lead he departed with was quickly surrendered by Ryan Madson, who gave up two solo homers in the sixth. Hamels needs to be owned in mixed leagues as well as NL-only leagues.
Lidge temporarily removed from closer's role
Brad Lidge is being removed from the closer's role as the Astros tweak his mechanics and have him resume working from the windup.
One day after manager Phil Garner said it wasn't an option. "He's flying open," Garner said. "What that means is when your front shoulder goes out too soon, your ball tends to flatten out. Fastballs don't have the same finish on them and more importantly your slider doesn't have the same break on it that it normally does. So that's been his major issue." Dan Wheeler and Chad Qualls are candidates to fill in for at least the next few days. "[Lidge is] still my closer," Garner said. "This is a move not to take him out of the closer role as it is to try to get him where I think he's right. He's not exactly pleased with the situation, but I feel certain he'll be OK.
Matsui undergoes surgery for wrist fracture
Hideki Matsui underwent successful surgery on his fractured left wrist Friday morning, and the Yankees still believe he'll miss at least three months.
The Yankees still haven't released the exact details of the break or breaks. Until they do, there's no telling whether he'll be back before season's end.
Phillies place OF Rowand on 15-day DL
Phillies placed outfielder Aaron Rowand on the 15-day disabled list with a broken nose and non-displaced fractures around the left eye.
The fractures around the eye probably have more to do with the DL trip than the broken nose and might serve to keep him out beyond the minimum 15 days. Shane Victorino should be a regular while Rowand is out, giving him short-term value in NL-only leagues. Chris Roberson was recalled to fill the open roster spot and keep the Phillies at five outfielders.