Radke and the twins win to tie up the series.
Baltimore get a rare win over the jays.
reds crush cardinals
Baltimore get a rare win over the jays.
reds crush cardinals
LOS ANGELES: OF Darin Erstad took batting practice and infield for the first time in more than a month. He's been sidelined most of the season with an ankle injury. ``I'm just happy to get back to baseball activity,'' said Erstad, who recently got out of a walking boot. ``My leg was shrinking in the boot. I'm still following doctors' orders and not running on it.'' ... OF Chone Figgins, who entered the series in a 4-for-32 slump, was given the night off by manager Mike Scioscia. ``It will help him catch his breath and get (Tim) Salmon's bat in there against lefties,'' Scioscia said. ... The Angels have a 2.49 ERA at Jacobs Field since 2001, the club's best mark in any AL ballpark.
CLEVELAND: The Indians have temporarily taken RHP Fausto Carmona, who blew three saves last week and lost four games, out of the closer's role. General manager Mark Shapiro said the club still believes in Carmona, and will work toward returning him to late-game situations as soon as it thinks he's ready. ``I'm not worried about lasting effects,'' Shapiro said. ``We believe in his toughness and strength. He was close to having success in those games. Fausto, except for those last four outings, has had a good year.'' ... 1B-OF Casey Blake could miss the next month after spraining his ankle last weekend in Detroit. Blake, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list, sustained a ``moderate to severe'' sprain when he rolled his ankle on a base, trainer Lonnie Soloff said. Blake was examined by an ankle and foot specialist, and test results showed he did not have any fractures. ``We dodged a bullet from that standpoint,'' said Soloff, who estimates Blake can be back playing in two to four weeks.
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BALTIMORE: LHP Erik Bedard, scratched from his last scheduled start with food poisoning, is slated to start Wednesday's series finale against Roy Halladay. Bedard has pitched 133 2-3 innings this year. His career high is 141 2-3 innings. Manager Sam Perlozzo said Bedard hasn't shown any signs of being tired. ... The Orioles have allowed a major league-high nine grand slams this season, which matches the club record set in 2000.
TORONTO: LHP Gustavo Chacin will make his third rehab start for Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday. Chacin hasn't pitched since June 9 due to a left elbow injury that has sidelined him twice this season. Chacin has struggled in his rehab starts. ``The next start will be a big test,'' manager John Gibbons said. ``All indications from him are that he's fine. It's just rust.'' Gibbons hopes to have Chacin back in the rotation next week. Chacin is 6-2 with a 5.61 ERA. He won 13 games as a rookie last season.
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MINNESOTA: Manager Ron Gardenhire said he had a long chat with LHP Francisco Liriano, who is expected to go on the DL after having an MRI on Thursday, because he wants the 22-year-old pitcher to be honest in the future when he's hurting. ``He said he didn't want to tell anybody,'' Gardenhire said. The Twins aren't sure if Liriano's elbow, forearm or both are injured. ``It's in the muscles, but it's close enough to get everything checked out - elbow and muscles,'' he said. ... DH Rondell White, a former Tiger, was back in the lineup for the first time since injuring his left hamstring July 30 against Detroit. ``I'm ready. I've got my mojo back,'' White said after working up a sweat in the batting cage before the game. He hit a double in the fourth.
DETROIT: LHP Mike Maroth was to begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Toledo on Wednesday night. He had elbow surgery on June 2. ``He's going to pitch about four innings and 55 pitches,'' manager Jim Leyland said. ``We'll see how it plays out.'' ... Leyland doesn't preach to his players about winning, but does insist that they prepare each day to win. It's a mind-set he has discussed with managing and coaching friends such as Tony La Russa, Bill Parcells and Bob Knight. ... Leyland hopes missing a start will help RHP Justin Verlander, but his experience with young pitchers coming back from sore arms doesn't help his forecast. ``He may come out fresh as a daisy, or stale,'' Leyland said.
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NEW YORK: Manager Joe Torre isn't sure how many wins it will take to make the playoffs in the highly competitive American League. He just wants the Yankees to keep adding on and let it take care of itself. ``Right now we are 24 games over. So our goal is to try to get to 30 games over,'' Torre said. ``Usually if you wind up 30 games over .500, in that area, you're in a pretty good neighborhood. If you don't go to the postseason you're not very lucky. I think 30 above and you're talking about having a successful year.'' ... The Yankees activated Robinson Cano from the disabled list before the game and the second baseman made a big play immediately. He took a throw from Bobby Abreu in the first inning and then made a perfect relay to third to get Chicago leadoff hitter Scott Podsednik, who was trying to stretch a double into a triple. ``We're very fortunate to get him back at the same time we lost (Miguel) Cairo,'' Torre said before the game. Cairo went on the DL with a hamstring injury.
CHICAGO: Manager Ozzie Guillen reiterated that he was happy with how Mark Buehrle pitched Monday against the Angels, although the one-time ace gave up three homers and lost his sixth straight decision. The slump has knocked the three-time All-Star to 9-10 and coincided with the White Sox falling 10 games behind in the AL Central. ``I think people forgot what that kid's been doing for this organization and the city of Chicago,'' Guillen said, defending his left-hander. ``If you throw Buehrle on the market right now, I'm pretty sure 27 teams would want him.'' ... Guillen said if the White Sox win 95 or 96 games and still don't make the playoffs, he will get on the boat he owns and spend time with his family. ``If you're not in the playoffs with 95 wins, go home and bang your head on the wall,'' he said. ``That's it. You can't feel sorry for yourself. You win 88, 89, yeah, that's a disappointing season. You win the games you're supposed to win, that's all you can do.'' ... After going 32-12 at home through July 6, the White Sox had lost eight of 10 home games before Tuesday night. ... SS Juan Uribe missed his third straight game with a stiff lower back.
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BOSTON: RHP Tim Wakefield, on the disabled list with a stress fracture in his rib cage, is throwing up to 120 feet. ``He's chomping at the bits,'' manager Terry Francona said. ``At the earliest, I think he's a couple of weeks away and that may be optimistic.'' Francona said Wakefield would probably throw off a mound on Monday. ... 1B Kevin Youkilis batted fifth for only the eighth time this season. ``I don't want anybody walking David (Ortiz) and Manny (Ramirez) and not pay the price,'' Francona said. ``I think Youkilis can handle that.'' CF Coco Crisp replaced Youkilis at the top of the order. ... C Doug Mirabelli missed his third straight game with a sprained ankle. ``We're hopeful he can catch Thursday,'' Francona said. ``It doesn't mean it's going to happen, but we're hoping.'' ... RHP Keith Foulke, who went on the disabled list June 12 with right elbow tendinitis, was to throw an inning Tuesday and another on Wednesday while rehabbing with Triple-A Pawtucket. If all goes well, Foulke will rejoin the Red Sox on Friday in Boston.
KANSAS CITY: DH Mike Sweeney, a career .302 hitter, returned to the lineup after missing 88 games with a bulging disc in his back. To make room for Sweeney, the Royals optioned INF Andres Blanco to Triple-A Omaha. ... The Royals hired Mike Toomey, who had been with the Washington Nationals, as a special assignment assistant to GM Dayton Moore. ... 2B Mark Grudzielanek, who singled in the first, has hit safely in 13 of 14 games. ... The Royals transferred RHP Scott Elarton, who had surgery to repair a torn labrum last week, to the 60-day disabled list. ... RHP Runelvys Hernandez is 0-2 with an 18.78 ERA in his past two starts.
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SEATTLE: Having used his bullpen extensively during this homestand, manager Mike Hargrove had some ``in-game decisions'' to make concerning his relievers. Primarily, he was not sure whether he could use closer J.J. Putz, who threw a combined 58 pitches Sunday and Monday. ... RHP Mark Lowe was to be held out Tuesday and possibly Wednesday because of some elbow tenderness. ... Hargrove said deciding how to properly use relievers is one of the toughest jobs a manager has. ``You do have to give them rest,'' he said. ``That's kind of the fine line you walk every day. It's not always an easy thing to do.'' ... The Mariners' bullpen ranked third in the AL in percentage of inherited runners to score at 28.7 percent. ... Ichiro Suzuki had stolen 28 straight bases without being caught, the third-longest streak in the majors.
TAMPA BAY: LHP Scott Kazmir had a bullpen session to determine whether he is ready to return to the rotation. He has not pitched since July 23 because of inflammation in his throwing shoulder. ``We just wanted to make sure he got another workout in to make sure everything was in order,'' manager Joe Maddon said. ``He did that and he came through in flying colors. We've been a little overcautious with him, but that's OK.'' Kazmir is scheduled to start Friday in Oakland. ... LHP Casey Fossum will start Saturday against the A's, and Maddon is hoping RHP Jae Seo, Tuesday's starter, can pitch again Sunday. ``I'd like to keep him on a regular rotation because he seems to do his best work when he's on a five-day rotation,'' Maddon said. Much might depend on a lingering nail problem on Seo's pitching hand. ... RHP Dan Miceli threw one scoreless inning of relief Monday after missing 83 games while on the disabled list with a right shoulder injury. ``He's off (Tuesday). I told him I would not pitch him two days in a row yet,'' Maddon said. ``He had good depth on his split. His velocity was up to 90. I thought he pitched well the first time back.'' ... DH Jonny Gomes also got the night off. He was hitting just .068 (5-for-73) since the All-Star break. ``He'll be back out there (Wednesday) and we're going to fight through this thing,'' Maddon said. ``It's all confidence right now. Slumps are mental.'' ... CF Rocco Baldelli started Tuesday with a tender right hamstring but will be given Wednesday off. ... Tampa Bay had 38 games this season in which it lost the lead, six more than any other club.
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TEXAS: OF Matt Stairs, who came to the Rangers in a trade with Kansas City last week, entered play with four hits - all doubles - in his last nine at_bats after starting his Rangers career with two hits in 10 at_bats. ``He's been playing a long time and when you look at his numbers at Oakland, he had some big years here,'' manager Buck Showalter said. ``He's more than just a pull hitter. He uses his experience well and is starting to feel more comfortable around everybody.'' ... RHP Robinson Tejeda pitched one-hit ball over seven innings for Triple-A Oklahoma on Monday night and has allowed one earned run in two starts since coming off the DL on July 29. ``He's got that ankle thing behind him,'' Showalter said. ... OF Brad Wilkerson, who needs two home runs for 100, continues to struggle at the plate. He's had two multihit games in his last 35, dropping his average to .223. ``He's handled this thing well,'' Showalter said. ``I appreciate him every day. I still think his best baseball is ahead of him.''
OAKLAND: LHP Scott Sauerbeck and LHP Joe Kennedy each threw two scoreless innings in a rehab assignment at Triple-A Sacramento on Monday night. Sauerbeck will likely make one more rehab appearance before rejoining the team for its series against Tampa Bay this weekend. Kennedy will need at least two more appearances. ... RHP Jay Witasick has made 12 rehab appearances since July 12 and will probably be activated before Friday's game. ... Manager Ken Macha said a decision will be made Wednesday about which reliever will be stretched out for a return to the rotation. LHP Brad Halsey and RHP Kirk Saarloos are the most likely candidates. ... Although RHP Huston Street said he was available, Macha said he would be careful about the way he used him. Street warmed up Friday night and pitched in games Saturday and Sunday. Macha thinks the closer might need a day of rest.
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ST. LOUIS: SS David Eckstein was back in the starting lineup. Eckstein missed the series opener Monday to attend to a personal matter. ... RH Jason Marquis gave up a first-inning run Tuesday - in the last 12 games, St. Louis starters have failed to retire the side in order in the first inning. ... The Cardinals' 13-1 victory over the Reds on Monday was the most lopsided win by either team in their rivalry since Sept. 7, 1993, when Mark Whitten hit four homers in the second game of a doubleheader at Riverfront Stadium for a 15-2 victory. ... Manager Tony La Russa went with a lineup of seven right-handed hitters and switch-hitter Scott Spiezio against left-hander Eric Milton.
CINCINNATI: Rich Aurilia's solo homer in the second inning was his 1,300th hit. ... Scott Hatteberg singled in his first at-bat for his 1,000th hit. ... Tired of going seven weeks without a win, RHP Bronson Arroyo decided it was time to do something Tuesday to change his luck. He got his shoulder-length hair braided into cornrows. Arroyo got cornrows while with the Red Sox two years ago and kept them through Boston's World Series championship. Arroyo has been stuck on nine wins since June 19. His next chance comes Thursday against the Cardinals. ... LHP Brandon Claussen is scheduled to have surgery Monday to clean out his pitching shoulder. Claussen is expected to be ready for spring training.
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PITTSBURGH: Though the Pirates still have the NL's worst record, manager Jim Tracy has seen encouraging signs from his pitching staff since the All-Star break. Pittsburgh's pitchers have a 2.76 ERA in the last 11 games and the starters have a 6-3 record. ``Because these starters are able to go deeper, you're able to match up better in your bullpen,'' Tracy said. ``You're finding yourself winning some of the close games you were losing in the first half of the season. Everything points towards a lot of really good things potentially as we continue to move forward.'' ... Rookie C Ronny Paulino homered in Pittsburgh's last three games, continuing a rapid progression since spring training. ``He looked like a guy who was going to get some hits here or there,'' Tracy said. ``Now, here we are 112 games into the season, and he's as good a catcher as we thought he would be.'' Paulino came into Tuesday's game batting .318 with 16 hits in his last 36 at_bats. Tracy said Paulino is already adept at helping the Pirates' pitchers make adjustments during games. ``One of the things we saw in spring training that we liked very much was his ability to receive, his feel for game,'' Tracy said. ``He's really good at it.''
HOUSTON: Lance Berkman said he's ``90 percent'' recovered from a left groin injury that kept him out of the lineup for six games. Berkman has started 30 games in right field and 63 at first base this season and would rather stay in the infield the rest of the season. He expects to play both positions, jokingly overstating his versatility. ``I'd definitely prefer to play first,'' he said. ``But it's hard to keep a professional athlete such as myself in one spot.'' ... Manager Phil Garner thinks CF Willy Taveras has played as well as he has all season since he returned to the everyday lineup in late July. Taveras had a 10-game hitting streak heading into Tuesday's series opener against Pittsburgh and hit his first homer of the season in Arizona on Aug. 4. ``I can that he's swinging the bat differently, I can see that he's running differently,'' Garner said. ``He's running better and he's swinging the bat better.''
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PHILADELPHIA: Manager Charlie Manuel is concerned OF Pat Burrell still hasn't fully recovered from surgery on his right foot last October. ``To me, the biggest thing about Pat is the speed getting to the ball,'' Manuel said. ``That comes from the foot. It's not like he limps, but he kind of gets his foot real high and then puts it down. It think sometimes the way he sets it down, you get flat-footed in the outfield, the ball kind of moves on you. His foot speed is what dictates what he can do.'' Burrell could probably cope better at first base, but he's not about to replace current starter Ryan Howard, who became the first NL player to surpass 100 RBIs this season. ``The doctors or somebody has got to find a way to get his foot better,'' Manuel said of Burrell. ``I don't know what the answer is, but whatever it is, I think he needs to do it.''
ATLANTA: The Braves' clubhouse was still abuzz about Andruw Jones breaking his bat on a mammoth home run a day earlier. Jones hit a two-out shot in the ninth inning of the series opener, the barrel flying toward the Phillies dugout while he trotted down the line with only a small piece of the handle. When the ball cleared the 400-foot sign in center field, he flipped away what was left of his 30-ounce bat. ``I knew I hit it hard,'' Jones said. ``I hit it right on the sweet spot.'' It was the first time he's broken his bat on a homer, though Jones did remember hitting a one-hopper off the wall in Milwaukee under similar circumstances. Manager Bobby Cox marveled at Jones' power. ``I'll tell you one thing: His bat was not corked like a lot of people suspected,'' Cox said. ``He is that strong.'' ... 1B Adam LaRoche was a late scratch from the Braves' lineup. He's been bothered by a sore left wrist since being struck with a pitch by Cincinnati's Bronson Arroyo on Saturday. LaRoche started the last two games, going 1-for-7 with an RBI. Scott Thorman took over at first for his ailing teammate.
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CHICAGO: The Cubs went 8-3 in the just concluded 11-game homestand. ``You get guys hot, you're going to win,'' said Cubs manager Dusty Baker whose team came to Miller Park with a 13-10 record since the All-Star break. ... Rookie RHP Juan Mateo (1-0, 3.60 ERA) looks to make his second start of the season on Saturday when the Cubs play at Colorado. ... The Cubs won't have to worry about the Brewers' All-Star OF Carlos Lee this series. He was traded along with OF Nelson Cruz to the Texas Rangers on July 28 for RHP Francisco Cordero, OF Kevin Mench and two minor leaguers. ``I like Carlos, but I don't necessarily miss Carlos,'' Baker said. ``It doesn't change things.''
MILWAUKEE: Team physician Dr. William Raasch has recommended surgery for 2B Rickie Weeks, who was placed on the DL July 29 (retroactive to July 25) with a sore right wrist that has not responded to rest and treatment. Surgery would end Weeks' season. ... RHP Ben Sheets' next start has been pushed back to Saturday to rest the sore pectoral muscle near his right arm pit. ... Rookie 1B Prince Fielder ranks third in the NL and sixth in the majors with a .384 batting average (28-73) since the All-Star break heading into the game against the Cubs.
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FLORIDA: RHP Logan Kensing will go on the disabled list Wednesday with a right wrist flexor strain, manager Joe Girardi said. Kensing - 1-3 with one save and a 4.54 ERA in 37 relief appearances - left Sunday's game against the Dodgers after five pitches and had an MRI exam Monday. Girardi said a decision will be announced Wednesday on who will be called up to replace Kensing on the roster.
WASHINGTON: RHP Chris Schroder's contract was purchased from Triple-A New Orleans before Tuesday's game, with the reliever taking the roster spot of traded pitcher Livan Hernandez. Schroder was 2-1 with one save and a 1.52 ERA in 28 appearances at New Orleans this season, allowing only one earned run in his last 18.2 innings. He was the organization's minor league pitcher of the month in July. ... Washington hasn't decided which minor leaguer will come up to fill in the fifth spot in the rotation. Hernandez's next turn would have been Friday against the New York Mets, and LHP Billy Traber, who was slated to start Saturday, will instead pitch Friday. ... CF Alex Escobar's hamstring injury is healed, and both he and manager Frank Robinson said he's available to play. ... RHP Shawn Hill (sore right elbow) was examined by Dr. James Andrews and everything appears to be normal, so Hill will return to Double-A Harrisburg.
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COLORADO: RHP Josh Fogg's ejection by plate umpire Sam Holbrook in Monday night's 7-2 loss made him the second Rockies pitcher this season to get the thumb after manager Clint Hurdle took him out of the game. It also happened to reliever Ray King on June 7 at Coors Field, when he also got into an argument about balls and strikes with ump Tony Randazzo. ... Hurdle moved 1B Todd Helton into the second spot in the batting order in an attempt resuscitate a sagging offense that scored two runs in each of its previous three games. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, it was the first time the 2000 NL batting champ started in the two hole since Aug. 29, 1999, when he went 3-for-5 against Philadelphia.
LOS ANGELES: Backup 1B James Loney, getting one more start before Nomar Garciaparra comes off the disabled list on Wednesday, is 7-for-20 since getting recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas. He was 9-for-40 the first time around, then earned a second trip to the big club by hitting .372 with eight homers and 57 RBIs in 86 games with Vegas. ``Early in the year we felt like we didn't want him sitting on the bench, so we sent him back to Triple-A and he did very well there. But he has nothing else to prove there, and we felt he's a good positive asset to have on this club,'' manager Grady Little said.
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SAN DIEGO: C Mike Piazza received a warm reception from the crowd at Shea Stadium in his return to New York. Piazza played for the Mets for eight seasons before signing with San Diego in the offseason. Fans held up signs welcoming him home and cheered loudly when he took the field, during a video a tribute before the game and during each of his plate appearances. Fans also cheered OF Mike Cameron, a former Met. ... SS Khalil Greene was a late scratch from the starting lineup. He has missed four straight games due to a sprained middle finger on his left hand. Geoff Blum replaced him and hit a two-run homer in the second inning.
NEW YORK: OF Cliff Floyd got some treatment for his tender Achilles' tendon and is day to day. Manager Willie Randolph doesn't think Floyd will have to go on the DL. ... OF Ricky Ledee was placed on waivers Monday night by the Los Angeles Dodgers and quickly claimed by New York. Ledee was expected to join the team Tuesday night or Wednesday, and the club didn't immediately announce a corresponding roster move. ``An experienced bat, a guy that I know real well and a good teammate so hopefully he can help us,'' Randolph said.
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SAN FRANCISCO: RHP Jason Schmidt has hit two of his six career homers against Arizona, including Monday night's solo shot off RHP Greg Aquino. ... Manager Felipe Alou said after Monday's game that he's thought about moving Ray Durham into the leadoff spot but hasn't because of the power his second baseman has shown. Durham began Tuesday tied for the team lead with 19 home runs. ... LHP Mike Stanton, traditionally a situational left-handed reliever, threw 1 2-3 innings Monday. What Alou didn't know was Stanton, acquired July 28 from Washington, was 39 years old. ``If I'd known that I would have taken him out,'' Alou said. ``I thought he was younger than that. He looks younger.''
ARIZONA: 3B Chad Tracy was back in the lineup Tuesday night after leaving Monday's game because of back spasms. Tracy slid head first into third base, colliding face and neck first with 3B Pedro Feliz's knee and arching his back awkwardly. ... RHP Brandon Webb, who missed his last scheduled start with a sore elbow, threw in the bullpen Tuesday and is expected to start either Friday or Saturday against Florida. RHP Livan Hernandez, who was acquired Monday from Washington, will start the other game. ... CF Jeff DaVanon, who sprained his ankle sliding into second base on Saturday, again was on the bench Tuesday but likely will be available Wednesday.
CLEVELAND: The Indians have temporarily taken RHP Fausto Carmona, who blew three saves last week and lost four games, out of the closer's role. General manager Mark Shapiro said the club still believes in Carmona, and will work toward returning him to late-game situations as soon as it thinks he's ready. ``I'm not worried about lasting effects,'' Shapiro said. ``We believe in his toughness and strength. He was close to having success in those games. Fausto, except for those last four outings, has had a good year.'' ... 1B-OF Casey Blake could miss the next month after spraining his ankle last weekend in Detroit. Blake, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list, sustained a ``moderate to severe'' sprain when he rolled his ankle on a base, trainer Lonnie Soloff said. Blake was examined by an ankle and foot specialist, and test results showed he did not have any fractures. ``We dodged a bullet from that standpoint,'' said Soloff, who estimates Blake can be back playing in two to four weeks.
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BALTIMORE: LHP Erik Bedard, scratched from his last scheduled start with food poisoning, is slated to start Wednesday's series finale against Roy Halladay. Bedard has pitched 133 2-3 innings this year. His career high is 141 2-3 innings. Manager Sam Perlozzo said Bedard hasn't shown any signs of being tired. ... The Orioles have allowed a major league-high nine grand slams this season, which matches the club record set in 2000.
TORONTO: LHP Gustavo Chacin will make his third rehab start for Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday. Chacin hasn't pitched since June 9 due to a left elbow injury that has sidelined him twice this season. Chacin has struggled in his rehab starts. ``The next start will be a big test,'' manager John Gibbons said. ``All indications from him are that he's fine. It's just rust.'' Gibbons hopes to have Chacin back in the rotation next week. Chacin is 6-2 with a 5.61 ERA. He won 13 games as a rookie last season.
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MINNESOTA: Manager Ron Gardenhire said he had a long chat with LHP Francisco Liriano, who is expected to go on the DL after having an MRI on Thursday, because he wants the 22-year-old pitcher to be honest in the future when he's hurting. ``He said he didn't want to tell anybody,'' Gardenhire said. The Twins aren't sure if Liriano's elbow, forearm or both are injured. ``It's in the muscles, but it's close enough to get everything checked out - elbow and muscles,'' he said. ... DH Rondell White, a former Tiger, was back in the lineup for the first time since injuring his left hamstring July 30 against Detroit. ``I'm ready. I've got my mojo back,'' White said after working up a sweat in the batting cage before the game. He hit a double in the fourth.
DETROIT: LHP Mike Maroth was to begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Toledo on Wednesday night. He had elbow surgery on June 2. ``He's going to pitch about four innings and 55 pitches,'' manager Jim Leyland said. ``We'll see how it plays out.'' ... Leyland doesn't preach to his players about winning, but does insist that they prepare each day to win. It's a mind-set he has discussed with managing and coaching friends such as Tony La Russa, Bill Parcells and Bob Knight. ... Leyland hopes missing a start will help RHP Justin Verlander, but his experience with young pitchers coming back from sore arms doesn't help his forecast. ``He may come out fresh as a daisy, or stale,'' Leyland said.
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NEW YORK: Manager Joe Torre isn't sure how many wins it will take to make the playoffs in the highly competitive American League. He just wants the Yankees to keep adding on and let it take care of itself. ``Right now we are 24 games over. So our goal is to try to get to 30 games over,'' Torre said. ``Usually if you wind up 30 games over .500, in that area, you're in a pretty good neighborhood. If you don't go to the postseason you're not very lucky. I think 30 above and you're talking about having a successful year.'' ... The Yankees activated Robinson Cano from the disabled list before the game and the second baseman made a big play immediately. He took a throw from Bobby Abreu in the first inning and then made a perfect relay to third to get Chicago leadoff hitter Scott Podsednik, who was trying to stretch a double into a triple. ``We're very fortunate to get him back at the same time we lost (Miguel) Cairo,'' Torre said before the game. Cairo went on the DL with a hamstring injury.
CHICAGO: Manager Ozzie Guillen reiterated that he was happy with how Mark Buehrle pitched Monday against the Angels, although the one-time ace gave up three homers and lost his sixth straight decision. The slump has knocked the three-time All-Star to 9-10 and coincided with the White Sox falling 10 games behind in the AL Central. ``I think people forgot what that kid's been doing for this organization and the city of Chicago,'' Guillen said, defending his left-hander. ``If you throw Buehrle on the market right now, I'm pretty sure 27 teams would want him.'' ... Guillen said if the White Sox win 95 or 96 games and still don't make the playoffs, he will get on the boat he owns and spend time with his family. ``If you're not in the playoffs with 95 wins, go home and bang your head on the wall,'' he said. ``That's it. You can't feel sorry for yourself. You win 88, 89, yeah, that's a disappointing season. You win the games you're supposed to win, that's all you can do.'' ... After going 32-12 at home through July 6, the White Sox had lost eight of 10 home games before Tuesday night. ... SS Juan Uribe missed his third straight game with a stiff lower back.
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BOSTON: RHP Tim Wakefield, on the disabled list with a stress fracture in his rib cage, is throwing up to 120 feet. ``He's chomping at the bits,'' manager Terry Francona said. ``At the earliest, I think he's a couple of weeks away and that may be optimistic.'' Francona said Wakefield would probably throw off a mound on Monday. ... 1B Kevin Youkilis batted fifth for only the eighth time this season. ``I don't want anybody walking David (Ortiz) and Manny (Ramirez) and not pay the price,'' Francona said. ``I think Youkilis can handle that.'' CF Coco Crisp replaced Youkilis at the top of the order. ... C Doug Mirabelli missed his third straight game with a sprained ankle. ``We're hopeful he can catch Thursday,'' Francona said. ``It doesn't mean it's going to happen, but we're hoping.'' ... RHP Keith Foulke, who went on the disabled list June 12 with right elbow tendinitis, was to throw an inning Tuesday and another on Wednesday while rehabbing with Triple-A Pawtucket. If all goes well, Foulke will rejoin the Red Sox on Friday in Boston.
KANSAS CITY: DH Mike Sweeney, a career .302 hitter, returned to the lineup after missing 88 games with a bulging disc in his back. To make room for Sweeney, the Royals optioned INF Andres Blanco to Triple-A Omaha. ... The Royals hired Mike Toomey, who had been with the Washington Nationals, as a special assignment assistant to GM Dayton Moore. ... 2B Mark Grudzielanek, who singled in the first, has hit safely in 13 of 14 games. ... The Royals transferred RHP Scott Elarton, who had surgery to repair a torn labrum last week, to the 60-day disabled list. ... RHP Runelvys Hernandez is 0-2 with an 18.78 ERA in his past two starts.
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SEATTLE: Having used his bullpen extensively during this homestand, manager Mike Hargrove had some ``in-game decisions'' to make concerning his relievers. Primarily, he was not sure whether he could use closer J.J. Putz, who threw a combined 58 pitches Sunday and Monday. ... RHP Mark Lowe was to be held out Tuesday and possibly Wednesday because of some elbow tenderness. ... Hargrove said deciding how to properly use relievers is one of the toughest jobs a manager has. ``You do have to give them rest,'' he said. ``That's kind of the fine line you walk every day. It's not always an easy thing to do.'' ... The Mariners' bullpen ranked third in the AL in percentage of inherited runners to score at 28.7 percent. ... Ichiro Suzuki had stolen 28 straight bases without being caught, the third-longest streak in the majors.
TAMPA BAY: LHP Scott Kazmir had a bullpen session to determine whether he is ready to return to the rotation. He has not pitched since July 23 because of inflammation in his throwing shoulder. ``We just wanted to make sure he got another workout in to make sure everything was in order,'' manager Joe Maddon said. ``He did that and he came through in flying colors. We've been a little overcautious with him, but that's OK.'' Kazmir is scheduled to start Friday in Oakland. ... LHP Casey Fossum will start Saturday against the A's, and Maddon is hoping RHP Jae Seo, Tuesday's starter, can pitch again Sunday. ``I'd like to keep him on a regular rotation because he seems to do his best work when he's on a five-day rotation,'' Maddon said. Much might depend on a lingering nail problem on Seo's pitching hand. ... RHP Dan Miceli threw one scoreless inning of relief Monday after missing 83 games while on the disabled list with a right shoulder injury. ``He's off (Tuesday). I told him I would not pitch him two days in a row yet,'' Maddon said. ``He had good depth on his split. His velocity was up to 90. I thought he pitched well the first time back.'' ... DH Jonny Gomes also got the night off. He was hitting just .068 (5-for-73) since the All-Star break. ``He'll be back out there (Wednesday) and we're going to fight through this thing,'' Maddon said. ``It's all confidence right now. Slumps are mental.'' ... CF Rocco Baldelli started Tuesday with a tender right hamstring but will be given Wednesday off. ... Tampa Bay had 38 games this season in which it lost the lead, six more than any other club.
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TEXAS: OF Matt Stairs, who came to the Rangers in a trade with Kansas City last week, entered play with four hits - all doubles - in his last nine at_bats after starting his Rangers career with two hits in 10 at_bats. ``He's been playing a long time and when you look at his numbers at Oakland, he had some big years here,'' manager Buck Showalter said. ``He's more than just a pull hitter. He uses his experience well and is starting to feel more comfortable around everybody.'' ... RHP Robinson Tejeda pitched one-hit ball over seven innings for Triple-A Oklahoma on Monday night and has allowed one earned run in two starts since coming off the DL on July 29. ``He's got that ankle thing behind him,'' Showalter said. ... OF Brad Wilkerson, who needs two home runs for 100, continues to struggle at the plate. He's had two multihit games in his last 35, dropping his average to .223. ``He's handled this thing well,'' Showalter said. ``I appreciate him every day. I still think his best baseball is ahead of him.''
OAKLAND: LHP Scott Sauerbeck and LHP Joe Kennedy each threw two scoreless innings in a rehab assignment at Triple-A Sacramento on Monday night. Sauerbeck will likely make one more rehab appearance before rejoining the team for its series against Tampa Bay this weekend. Kennedy will need at least two more appearances. ... RHP Jay Witasick has made 12 rehab appearances since July 12 and will probably be activated before Friday's game. ... Manager Ken Macha said a decision will be made Wednesday about which reliever will be stretched out for a return to the rotation. LHP Brad Halsey and RHP Kirk Saarloos are the most likely candidates. ... Although RHP Huston Street said he was available, Macha said he would be careful about the way he used him. Street warmed up Friday night and pitched in games Saturday and Sunday. Macha thinks the closer might need a day of rest.
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ST. LOUIS: SS David Eckstein was back in the starting lineup. Eckstein missed the series opener Monday to attend to a personal matter. ... RH Jason Marquis gave up a first-inning run Tuesday - in the last 12 games, St. Louis starters have failed to retire the side in order in the first inning. ... The Cardinals' 13-1 victory over the Reds on Monday was the most lopsided win by either team in their rivalry since Sept. 7, 1993, when Mark Whitten hit four homers in the second game of a doubleheader at Riverfront Stadium for a 15-2 victory. ... Manager Tony La Russa went with a lineup of seven right-handed hitters and switch-hitter Scott Spiezio against left-hander Eric Milton.
CINCINNATI: Rich Aurilia's solo homer in the second inning was his 1,300th hit. ... Scott Hatteberg singled in his first at-bat for his 1,000th hit. ... Tired of going seven weeks without a win, RHP Bronson Arroyo decided it was time to do something Tuesday to change his luck. He got his shoulder-length hair braided into cornrows. Arroyo got cornrows while with the Red Sox two years ago and kept them through Boston's World Series championship. Arroyo has been stuck on nine wins since June 19. His next chance comes Thursday against the Cardinals. ... LHP Brandon Claussen is scheduled to have surgery Monday to clean out his pitching shoulder. Claussen is expected to be ready for spring training.
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PITTSBURGH: Though the Pirates still have the NL's worst record, manager Jim Tracy has seen encouraging signs from his pitching staff since the All-Star break. Pittsburgh's pitchers have a 2.76 ERA in the last 11 games and the starters have a 6-3 record. ``Because these starters are able to go deeper, you're able to match up better in your bullpen,'' Tracy said. ``You're finding yourself winning some of the close games you were losing in the first half of the season. Everything points towards a lot of really good things potentially as we continue to move forward.'' ... Rookie C Ronny Paulino homered in Pittsburgh's last three games, continuing a rapid progression since spring training. ``He looked like a guy who was going to get some hits here or there,'' Tracy said. ``Now, here we are 112 games into the season, and he's as good a catcher as we thought he would be.'' Paulino came into Tuesday's game batting .318 with 16 hits in his last 36 at_bats. Tracy said Paulino is already adept at helping the Pirates' pitchers make adjustments during games. ``One of the things we saw in spring training that we liked very much was his ability to receive, his feel for game,'' Tracy said. ``He's really good at it.''
HOUSTON: Lance Berkman said he's ``90 percent'' recovered from a left groin injury that kept him out of the lineup for six games. Berkman has started 30 games in right field and 63 at first base this season and would rather stay in the infield the rest of the season. He expects to play both positions, jokingly overstating his versatility. ``I'd definitely prefer to play first,'' he said. ``But it's hard to keep a professional athlete such as myself in one spot.'' ... Manager Phil Garner thinks CF Willy Taveras has played as well as he has all season since he returned to the everyday lineup in late July. Taveras had a 10-game hitting streak heading into Tuesday's series opener against Pittsburgh and hit his first homer of the season in Arizona on Aug. 4. ``I can that he's swinging the bat differently, I can see that he's running differently,'' Garner said. ``He's running better and he's swinging the bat better.''
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PHILADELPHIA: Manager Charlie Manuel is concerned OF Pat Burrell still hasn't fully recovered from surgery on his right foot last October. ``To me, the biggest thing about Pat is the speed getting to the ball,'' Manuel said. ``That comes from the foot. It's not like he limps, but he kind of gets his foot real high and then puts it down. It think sometimes the way he sets it down, you get flat-footed in the outfield, the ball kind of moves on you. His foot speed is what dictates what he can do.'' Burrell could probably cope better at first base, but he's not about to replace current starter Ryan Howard, who became the first NL player to surpass 100 RBIs this season. ``The doctors or somebody has got to find a way to get his foot better,'' Manuel said of Burrell. ``I don't know what the answer is, but whatever it is, I think he needs to do it.''
ATLANTA: The Braves' clubhouse was still abuzz about Andruw Jones breaking his bat on a mammoth home run a day earlier. Jones hit a two-out shot in the ninth inning of the series opener, the barrel flying toward the Phillies dugout while he trotted down the line with only a small piece of the handle. When the ball cleared the 400-foot sign in center field, he flipped away what was left of his 30-ounce bat. ``I knew I hit it hard,'' Jones said. ``I hit it right on the sweet spot.'' It was the first time he's broken his bat on a homer, though Jones did remember hitting a one-hopper off the wall in Milwaukee under similar circumstances. Manager Bobby Cox marveled at Jones' power. ``I'll tell you one thing: His bat was not corked like a lot of people suspected,'' Cox said. ``He is that strong.'' ... 1B Adam LaRoche was a late scratch from the Braves' lineup. He's been bothered by a sore left wrist since being struck with a pitch by Cincinnati's Bronson Arroyo on Saturday. LaRoche started the last two games, going 1-for-7 with an RBI. Scott Thorman took over at first for his ailing teammate.
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CHICAGO: The Cubs went 8-3 in the just concluded 11-game homestand. ``You get guys hot, you're going to win,'' said Cubs manager Dusty Baker whose team came to Miller Park with a 13-10 record since the All-Star break. ... Rookie RHP Juan Mateo (1-0, 3.60 ERA) looks to make his second start of the season on Saturday when the Cubs play at Colorado. ... The Cubs won't have to worry about the Brewers' All-Star OF Carlos Lee this series. He was traded along with OF Nelson Cruz to the Texas Rangers on July 28 for RHP Francisco Cordero, OF Kevin Mench and two minor leaguers. ``I like Carlos, but I don't necessarily miss Carlos,'' Baker said. ``It doesn't change things.''
MILWAUKEE: Team physician Dr. William Raasch has recommended surgery for 2B Rickie Weeks, who was placed on the DL July 29 (retroactive to July 25) with a sore right wrist that has not responded to rest and treatment. Surgery would end Weeks' season. ... RHP Ben Sheets' next start has been pushed back to Saturday to rest the sore pectoral muscle near his right arm pit. ... Rookie 1B Prince Fielder ranks third in the NL and sixth in the majors with a .384 batting average (28-73) since the All-Star break heading into the game against the Cubs.
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FLORIDA: RHP Logan Kensing will go on the disabled list Wednesday with a right wrist flexor strain, manager Joe Girardi said. Kensing - 1-3 with one save and a 4.54 ERA in 37 relief appearances - left Sunday's game against the Dodgers after five pitches and had an MRI exam Monday. Girardi said a decision will be announced Wednesday on who will be called up to replace Kensing on the roster.
WASHINGTON: RHP Chris Schroder's contract was purchased from Triple-A New Orleans before Tuesday's game, with the reliever taking the roster spot of traded pitcher Livan Hernandez. Schroder was 2-1 with one save and a 1.52 ERA in 28 appearances at New Orleans this season, allowing only one earned run in his last 18.2 innings. He was the organization's minor league pitcher of the month in July. ... Washington hasn't decided which minor leaguer will come up to fill in the fifth spot in the rotation. Hernandez's next turn would have been Friday against the New York Mets, and LHP Billy Traber, who was slated to start Saturday, will instead pitch Friday. ... CF Alex Escobar's hamstring injury is healed, and both he and manager Frank Robinson said he's available to play. ... RHP Shawn Hill (sore right elbow) was examined by Dr. James Andrews and everything appears to be normal, so Hill will return to Double-A Harrisburg.
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COLORADO: RHP Josh Fogg's ejection by plate umpire Sam Holbrook in Monday night's 7-2 loss made him the second Rockies pitcher this season to get the thumb after manager Clint Hurdle took him out of the game. It also happened to reliever Ray King on June 7 at Coors Field, when he also got into an argument about balls and strikes with ump Tony Randazzo. ... Hurdle moved 1B Todd Helton into the second spot in the batting order in an attempt resuscitate a sagging offense that scored two runs in each of its previous three games. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, it was the first time the 2000 NL batting champ started in the two hole since Aug. 29, 1999, when he went 3-for-5 against Philadelphia.
LOS ANGELES: Backup 1B James Loney, getting one more start before Nomar Garciaparra comes off the disabled list on Wednesday, is 7-for-20 since getting recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas. He was 9-for-40 the first time around, then earned a second trip to the big club by hitting .372 with eight homers and 57 RBIs in 86 games with Vegas. ``Early in the year we felt like we didn't want him sitting on the bench, so we sent him back to Triple-A and he did very well there. But he has nothing else to prove there, and we felt he's a good positive asset to have on this club,'' manager Grady Little said.
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SAN DIEGO: C Mike Piazza received a warm reception from the crowd at Shea Stadium in his return to New York. Piazza played for the Mets for eight seasons before signing with San Diego in the offseason. Fans held up signs welcoming him home and cheered loudly when he took the field, during a video a tribute before the game and during each of his plate appearances. Fans also cheered OF Mike Cameron, a former Met. ... SS Khalil Greene was a late scratch from the starting lineup. He has missed four straight games due to a sprained middle finger on his left hand. Geoff Blum replaced him and hit a two-run homer in the second inning.
NEW YORK: OF Cliff Floyd got some treatment for his tender Achilles' tendon and is day to day. Manager Willie Randolph doesn't think Floyd will have to go on the DL. ... OF Ricky Ledee was placed on waivers Monday night by the Los Angeles Dodgers and quickly claimed by New York. Ledee was expected to join the team Tuesday night or Wednesday, and the club didn't immediately announce a corresponding roster move. ``An experienced bat, a guy that I know real well and a good teammate so hopefully he can help us,'' Randolph said.
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SAN FRANCISCO: RHP Jason Schmidt has hit two of his six career homers against Arizona, including Monday night's solo shot off RHP Greg Aquino. ... Manager Felipe Alou said after Monday's game that he's thought about moving Ray Durham into the leadoff spot but hasn't because of the power his second baseman has shown. Durham began Tuesday tied for the team lead with 19 home runs. ... LHP Mike Stanton, traditionally a situational left-handed reliever, threw 1 2-3 innings Monday. What Alou didn't know was Stanton, acquired July 28 from Washington, was 39 years old. ``If I'd known that I would have taken him out,'' Alou said. ``I thought he was younger than that. He looks younger.''
ARIZONA: 3B Chad Tracy was back in the lineup Tuesday night after leaving Monday's game because of back spasms. Tracy slid head first into third base, colliding face and neck first with 3B Pedro Feliz's knee and arching his back awkwardly. ... RHP Brandon Webb, who missed his last scheduled start with a sore elbow, threw in the bullpen Tuesday and is expected to start either Friday or Saturday against Florida. RHP Livan Hernandez, who was acquired Monday from Washington, will start the other game. ... CF Jeff DaVanon, who sprained his ankle sliding into second base on Saturday, again was on the bench Tuesday but likely will be available Wednesday.