talk about some crazy games tonight. the craziest one of them all though was the texas/yankees game though. i just can't believe texas blew a 9-0 lead. 
Notes from Tuesday's games
May 16, 2006
TEXAS: 1B Mark Teixeira was 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in his career against RHP Shawn Chacon before hitting a single in the first inning. ... RHP Vicente Padilla is slated to start Thursday against the Yankees. Padilla had his outing pushed back this week because of tendinitis in his right ankle and he threw about 35 pitches during a bullpen session Monday. ``I think we're at the point where we've been cautious to a fault,'' manager Buck Showalter said. ``He's ready to go.'' The Rangers plan to bring up RHP Robinson Tejeda from Triple-A Oklahoma to start Friday night in Houston against LHP Andy Pettitte. ... DH-1B Erubiel Durazo, who was at Triple-A, opted out of his contract Monday and became a free agent. ... Showalter is happy with the production of leadoff batter Gary Matthews Jr., regardless of whether he looks the part. ``He's got the ability to do it. He can play a lot of different phases of the game,'' Showalter said. ``What is your typical leadoff hitter anymore? Omar Moreno ain't walking around here anymore.''
NEW YORK: 1B Jason Giambi didn't start because of a stiff neck. He went to Manhattan for therapy earlier in the day. ``Hopefully, it'll be fine by tomorrow,'' Giambi said. ``It's not that bad. It's a lot better than it was last night.'' Manager Joe Torre said it sounds as though Giambi will be able to play Wednesday night or Thursday. ``The biggest thing is just getting it right,'' Giambi said. ... General manager Brian Cashman on the possibility of signing Roger Clemens: ``If he wants us involved, then we'll be excited. If not, we'll respect his decision.''
---
---
MINNESOTA: DH Rondell White extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a second-inning RBI single Tuesday. The run matched Minnesota's entire offensive output in their first visit to Comerica Park. They were outscored 33-1 while being swept in a three-game series April 28-30. ... The Twins have not had a homer from a DH or a SS this season. ... RHP Kyle Lohse made his third start against the Tigers Tuesday. In his first two, he was 0-2 with a 12.10 ERA.
DETROIT: The Tigers entered Tuesday's game having allowed only 127 runs in their first 37 games. The only other Detroit teams since 1950 to allow that few runs in their first 37 games - 1968, 1972 and 1984 - all reached the postseason. ... CF Curtis Granderson has not made an error in his 89-game major-league career, the longest streak to start a career by an outfielder in Tigers history. ... DH Dmitri Young (quadriceps) was in the lineup for the first time since May 10.
---
---
KANSAS CITY: The Royals released RHP Joe Mays on Tuesday. Mays, who left Minnesota to sign a $1 million contract Dec. 23, was designated for assignment May 8 after going 0-4 with a 10.27 ERA in six starts. ... LHP Mark Redman, who had been scheduled to start Thursday afternoon in Cleveland, now is slated to start Friday in an interleague game against intrastate rival St. Louis. ... SS Angel Berroa hasn't drawn a walk in his last 29 games and has only one in 35 games this season. ... INF Esteban German is 1-for-12 in his last three starts.
CLEVELAND: Manager Eric Wedge wants to use RHP Rafael Betancourt as the primary setup man for closer Bob Wickman. ``We'll try to get an inning under his belt, then use him in eighth-inning situations,'' Wedge said. Betancourt was activated from the 15-day disabled list Tuesday after missing 23 games with a strained upper back muscle. ... RHP Jeremy Guthrie was sent back to Triple-A Buffalo after compiling a 4.63 ERA in six games in relief while Betancourt was out. ``Jeremy did nothing wrong, he's just the odd man out,'' Wedge said. ``He'll go back to a starting role at Buffalo.'' ... The Indians announced the starting time of the June 4 game against the Angels has been changed from 1:05 p.m. to 8:09 p.m.
---
---
BOSTON: LHP David Wells, whose first two tries at a simulated game were washed out by bad weather, threw 82 pitches in a four-inning session Tuesday afternoon. Covering first base, Wells reported few problems with the balky right knee that landed him on the 15-day disabled list April 14. ``When I can do that, and bounce off the mound after a pitch, then I think that's the most important thing. That and getting over my front leg on all my pitches,'' Wells said. Barring any complications, Wells will be sent to Triple-A Pawtucket for a rehabilitation start Sunday at Scranton, Pa. He hopes to be activated and pitch on May 26 versus Tampa Bay. ... RHP David Riske, on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain, will join Triple-A Pawtucket for rehabilitation appearances at Buffalo on Wednesday and Scranton-Wilkes Barre on Friday. Riske will then rejoin the Red Sox to be re-evaluated. ... RHP Josh Beckett will start Saturday at Philadelphia, with LHP Lenny DiNardo now scheduled to pitch Sunday. ... OF Dustan Mohr won't rejoin the Red Sox before late Tuesday or early Wednesday after the birth of his first child, McKenzie.
BALTIMORE: 2B Brian Roberts (strained groin) could be activated from the 15-day DL on Wednesday, although it's more likely that he will play with Double-A Bowie on a rehabilitation assignment. ``More than anything, we're trying to do the right thing,'' Roberts said. ``Yeah, I want to play here, but if for the next four months it's smart to make sure everything's OK first, then we'll do that.'' ... DH Kevin Millar and OF Luis Matos, both of whom are locked in horrid slumps, took extra batting practice Tuesday. Millar, who's batting .220 and hasn't started since Friday, said, ``The guys that don't keep working and feel sorry for themselves, that's when you're not ready for the opportunity. Whenever I get the next chance to play - whether it's in a week, 10 days, three months - I'll be ready.''
---
---
CHICAGO: Manager Ozzie Guillen still believes Chicago is a Cubs town despite the White Sox winning the World Series last year. ``If we played the way the Cubs played, we'll get 2,000 at the ballpark, believe me,'' Guillen said. ``You're not going to turn the lights on and off in one year. You've got to continue to do it.'' Guillen praised the White Sox organization for efforts in bringing kids to the ballpark. The Cubs, who had lost nine of 10 entering Tuesday, and White Sox start a three-game series Friday. ... Guillen said RHP Jose Contreras (pinched nerve in his right leg) was OK one day after a bullpen session and remains on target to return Sunday.
TAMPA BAY: Manager Joe Maddon will miss games Friday and Saturday against Florida to attend his girlfriend's graduation from law school in California. Bench coach Bill Evers will fill in for Maddon. ... 2B Jorge Cantu (broken bone in left foot) could return early next month. ``He's feeling better,'' Maddon said. ... CF Rocco Baldelli is scheduled to play in an extended spring training game Wednesday and could begin a two to three week rehabiltation assignment with Double-A Montgomery next week. ... RHP Seth McClung (knee bruise) is slated to make his next start on Wednesday.
---
---
SEATTLE: RHP Julio Mateo will throw a simulated game on Wednesday and could be activated from the DL as early as Thursday. ``We'll evaluate him after that,'' manager Mike Hargrove said. ``We could wait until we get home on Friday but it depends on how we use our bullpen the next couple of days.'' Mateo has been on the DL with right shoulder tendinitis since April 29. ... After getting two days off in the past five days, the Mariners are beginning a stretch in which they get one day in the next 27. ... SS Yuniesky Betancourt committed his first error of the season on May 7 and has four errors total. ``Things in this game have a way of evening up,'' Hargrove said. ``We're still trying to figure out what his track record is. He's good though but it doesn't take a genius to see that.''
OAKLAND: C Jeremy Brown was sent back to Sacramento without appearing in a game with the A's. He was called up as insurance when C Jason Kendall served his four-game suspension for his part in an altercation with Angels RHP John Lackey on May 2. ... LHP Randy Keisler was placed on the bereavement list effective Monday. He left the team in New York to be with his ailing grandmother. He's expected to rejoin the team on Thursday in Oakland. ... RHP Esteban Loaiza threw a side session and if everything goes well he will pitch a simulated game on Friday. RHP Rich Harden threw from 120 feet on Monday and is tentatively scheduled for a bullpen session in Chicago on Monday. Harden has been out since April 27 with a muscle strain in his back. ... OF Milton Bradley suffered a setback with his strained oblique muscle. ... RHP Jay Witasick did some throwing off the mound as he rehabs a severely sprained left ankle. ... There is no timetable for RHP Justin Duchscherer, who has right elbow tendinitis. ``He will not be doing anything for the next few days,'' Macha said. ... LHP Joe Kennedy was not available on Tuesday but ``his return is imminent,'' Macha said.
---
---
TORONTO: C Bengie Molina and 3B Troy Glaus, who helped lead the Angels to a World Series title in 2002, returned to Anaheim as opponents for the first time. Molina, who was not re-signed after helping the Angels' pitching staff record its lowest ERA in 16 years, decided it was improper to visit the clubhouse where he spent his first seven big league seasons. ``I know they're my friends and all that, but it would be like disrespecting their home. So think they deserve that respect,'' said Molina, whose brother Jose still catches for the Angels. ... Glaus, who spent last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks after the Angels decided not to offer him another contract, was the MVP of the '02 World Series and is in just about every photograph documenting the final out. ``Nothing holds a candle to watching Ersty (Darin Erstad) catch that ball in right-center field,'' Glaus said of his memories of Angel Stadium. ``Obviously Bengie and I have a lot of great memories here, and I always enjoyed playing here. Both of us came up through the organization. We've had some bad times and some really really good times, too. But once the game starts, my job is different. It used to be to win ballgames here for the Angels. Now it's my job to help will ballgames for Toronto.''
LOS ANGELES: RHP Jeff Weaver, who saw his record fall to 5-1 and his ERA swell to 6.53 after giving up four home runs in Sunday's 9-4 loss to Seattle, met behind closed doors before batting practice with manager Mike Scioscia, pitching coach Bud Black and catchers Jose Molina and Mike Napoli. ``I think we had some great feedback from our catchers and from Weave,'' Scioscia said. ``What it comes down to is that he needs to get back to pitching a little bit because he's been overthrowing. We talked about last year and how he got on a great run. It just comes down to hitting spots and being more of a pitcher. He's been trying to throw too hard and pulling out of his normal delivery, which affects the location and action on the ball. The catchers felt very good about him getting back to that type of game, and Weave does, too. He threw the ball well for long stretches last year, and he's very confident he can get back to that. We are, too. He's had success pitching in the American League, and I think he will again once he gets back to just pitching.''
---
---
---
CINCINNATI: LHP Eric Milton, out since April 19 because of cartilage damage in his left knee, is scheduled to return to the rotation Saturday against Detroit. Manager Jerry Narron was encouraged by how Milton pitched two innings without problems in the Hall of Fame exhibition game Monday. Narron said, ``He says he's ready to go and ready to pitch, so we'll try to get him out there and get him going as quick as we can.'' ... With Milton returning, RHP Elizardo Ramirez was bumped from his scheduled start Thursday in Pittsburgh, with Williams pitching that day rather than Friday. Brandon Claussen moves up to Friday from Saturday. Ramirez goes into the bullpen.
PITTSBURGH: The Pirates are encouraged by how well 1B Sean Casey (fractures in lower back) and RHP Kip Wells (surgery to repair blocked artery) are responding. Wells threw a bullpen session Monday in Bradenton, Fla., then returned to Pittsburgh to throw two more sessions Thursday and Saturday. If there are no setbacks, he will return to Bradenton to pitch in the extended spring camp before heading to Triple-A Indianapolis or Double-A Altoona for approximately three rehabilitation starts. Wells thinks he could be back in the majors by mid-June, about a month ahead of schedule. Casey is taking batting practice, fielding ground balls and throwing, though there is no timetable for his return. ... Jose Bautista has been leading off since being called up from the minors May 7, but manager Jim Tracy envisions him as a future middle-of-the order hitter.
---
---
FLORIDA: The Marlins hope to get four or five innings out of RHP Ricky Nolasco, who will start Wednesday in place of injured Sergio Mitre. ``You watch and see how he is around 60-65 pitches,'' manager Joe Girardi said. ``If he looks strong, maybe let him go 10 more.'' ... During batting practice, Girardi is constantly reminding young first baseman Mike Jacobs not to swing too hard. ``Stay short. Don't try to hit balls out of the ballpark,'' Girardi says. That advice paid off Monday with one of the best games of Jacobs' career. He homered and had a career-high six RBIs. ``When he does that, he hits balls out of the ball park,'' Girardi said. ... OF Jeremy Hermida, who's played only six games this season because of an injured right hip flexor, might be able to rejoin the Marlins this weekend. He's been rehabbing at extended spring training in Florida.
ATLANTA: RHP Chad Paronto is making a good impression out of the Braves bullpen. The hefty reliever allowed just one run in his first four appearances, including three scoreless innings on Monday that gave Atlanta a chance to get back in the game after the Marlins jumped ahead 5-0. Paronto surprised even himself by striking out six during that appearance. ``I don't usually strike out a lot of guys,'' he said after the Braves rallied for an 11-8 victory. ``That was a bonus.'' Paronto, who began the season at Triple-A Richmond after struggling in spring training, allowed two hits and a run in his first appearance. Since then, he's worked five scoreless innings, giving up only two hits with a walk and seven strikeouts. ``I wanted it to be perfect,'' said Paronto, looking back on that first outing. ``It's been 2 1/2 years since I've been here (in the majors), and I'd done everything I could to get back here.''
---
---
WASHINGTON: Nationals GM Jim Bowden is a busy man and it's not even June. With his team struggling at 13-25, already 10 1/2 games behind first place New York in the NL East, going into Tuesday's game at Chicago, Bowden said teams are clamoring for struggling outfielder Jose Guillen (.227, five homers, 18 RBIs) among others. A new ownership group, led by former Atlanta executive Stan Kasten and real estate developer Theodore Kasten, is waiting to be approved by MLB, but that isn't hampering any possible deals. ``If we can make a trade to improve our organization, we're going to go ahead and go forward with that,'' Bowden said. ``That doesn't mean (team president) Tony (Tavares) and I won't consult with Stan or Mr. Lerner, because certainly I think it would be appropriate, depending on the magnitude of the deal. But certainly we're going forward in all of our trade discussions, which are happening on a very regular basis.'' ... RHP Ryan Drese's right elbow will need another two to four weeks of rehab after a doctor diagnosed him with a partial tear of the UCL, manager Frank Robinson said.
CHICAGO: Cubs manager Dusty Baker tried to get away from his team's woes on Monday's off-day but they seem to follow him everywhere, even when fishing. ``It was a rough day yesterday,'' Baker said. ``We went out a couple miles and then a big wave hit us, so we decided to come back in. Then we went to (another lake), which is beautiful, didn't catch much. Then we went to take off someplace else, and the boat wouldn't move. Then we checked the engine and then the propeller came off.'' Any symbolism there with the team's disappointing 15-22 start? ``Quite a bit actually,'' he said, laughing. Baker said he doesn't think anything can get worse after that trip, which ended with his boat getting towed. ``It's time for us to put this behind us,'' he said. ``Leave it at the lake yesterday.'' ... Baker slotted Matt Murton in the second spot for the first time this season. Ronny Cedeno, with just two hits in his last 12 at-bats, dropped back down to the eighth spot, where he had success earlier in the season.
---
---
PHILADELPHIA: 1B Ryan Howard was back in the starting lineup after not starting on Sunday due to a stomach ailment that prompted a trip to the emergency room Saturday night. Howard did enter Sunday's game against Cincinnati in the eighth inning and hit a pinch-hit home run to tie the game at 1-1. He then won the game with a solo home run in the 12th inning. He is just the fourth player in the Major League Baseball history and first since 1992 to hit both a pinch home run and an extra-inning home run in the same game. The Astros Jeff Bagwell was the last player to do it in 1992. ... RF Bobby Abreu was also back in the starting lineup after missing the past two games with mild back spasms. The last time Abreu missed two straight games was May 25-27, 2003.
MILWAUKEE: SS J.J. Hardy was back in the starting lineup after sitting out the past two games. Hardy has been struggling at the plate recently, with five hits in his last 37 at-bats. ``J.J. will get his hits, I'm not worried about it,'' manager Ned Yost said. ``I just wanted to give him a couple of days of rest. I expect him to start hitting any day now.'' ... The Brewers claimed RHP Chris Mabeus off waivers from the Oakland Athletics. Mabeus went 0-1 with a 4.58 ERA in 12 relief appearances at Triple-A Sacramento this season. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Brewers designated RHP Jared Fernandez for assignment. The team has 10 days to trade or release Fernandez.
---
---
SAN FRANCISCO: Pedro Feliz, who has played every inning this season, was thrilled his mother, Milta, was able to watch Monday night's game in his native Dominican Republic. Feliz hit his fourth career grand slam. ``Lucky her,'' he said. ``She got to see it.'' ... Jose Vizcaino made his first start at 1B on Tuesday night in place of Lance Niekro, who's nursing a sore right shoulder. Vizcaino, who played the last five seasons in Houston, had made 10 previous starts this season - seven at 2B and three at SS. ... RF Moises Alou, sidelined with a severely sprained right ankle, took batting practice for the first time since being injured May 5. ... RHP Brad Hennessey made a solid fill-in start for struggling rookie RHP Matt Cain, though he knows by the weekend, he's back in the bullpen. Hennessey (3-1) allowed one run on seven hits in the first five innings of the Giants' 10-1 win in Houston on Monday. Cain (1-5) is slated to start Sunday's game at Oakland. ``I try to take advantage of my opportunities when I get them,'' Hennessey said.
HOUSTON: 1B Lance Berkman was out of the starting lineup for the third time in four games with tightness in his left hamstring. Berkman told manager Phil Garner before Tuesday's game against San Francisco that he was eager to play, but Garner opted to bench him as a precaution. ... Like Barry Bonds, Astros 2B Craig Biggio is also chasing Hank Aaron. Biggio hit his 620th career double in Monday's 10-1 loss to the Giants, leaving him four behind Aaron, who's ninth all-time. ... With Monday's game out of reach in the late innings, Garner slipped in some unusual roster moves. Veteran catcher Brad Ausmus, who holds the franchise record for games caught, replaced Biggio at 2B for the final two innings. Garner also sent LHP Andy Pettitte to the plate in the ninth for his first career at-bat as a pinch hitter. Pettitte struck out. ``Just trying to have a little fun,'' Garner said.
---
---
NEW YORK: Manager Willie Randolph refused to put extra emphasis on a tough stretch of games with the next nine against the Cardinals, Yankees and Phillies, and with his team having lost five of seven. ``We didn't think we were going to go wire to wire, did we?'' Randolph said. ``We've got to keep the game in perspective. We lost a couple of series. So what? There's so much baseball to go that you almost don't feel like looking at the standings.'' ... IF Jose Offerman was promoted to Triple-A Norfolk and will join the team on Wednesday. ... CF Carlos Beltran hit .159 at old Busch Stadium, with two homers and three RBIs in 63 at-bats.
ST. LOUIS: Despite a .417 average, John Rodriguez, a left-handed hitter, was on the bench on Tuesday with the Cardinals facing LHP Tom Glavine. So Taguchi got a start and hit second, where Rodriguez has thrived. ``This guy's been beating up on left-handed hitters. Right-handed hitters, too,'' manager Tony La Russa said of Glavine. ``I don't think anybody has got a big edge the way he's throwing.'' ... RHP Anthony Reyes, at Triple-A Memphis, is likely to fill a vacancy in the rotation on Saturday in Kansas City. The Cardinals have needed only four starters since RHP Sidney Ponson went on the 15-day disabled list with an elbow injury, and this is the first time they'll need a fifth.
---
---
LOS ANGELES: RHP Eric Gagne (right elbow) had no soreness after throwing a 25-pitch bullpen session Tuesday before the game. ``He threw his change up, breaking pitches and fastball and left the bullpen with a smile on his face ,'' manager Grady Little said. ``We'll have him throw batting practice Friday in Los Angeles and another one next week before deciding our next step.'' ... Little recalled his first time in Coors Field, when he was a bullpen coach with San Diego in 1996. ``I had an idea it would be a different experience,'' Little said. ``By the end of the game the bullpen catcher and I were the only ones left to walk in from the bullpen.''
COLORADO: Manager Clint Hurdle had his own take on the delivery of Los Angeles RHP Takashi Saito. ``He looks like a Jig Saw puzzle,'' Hurdle said. ``He throws with a lot of hesitations and body movement.'' ... RHP Mike DeJean (right shoulder tendinitis) played catch on the side without pain, throwing from 60 feet apart. ``Mike didn't complain about anything,'' Hurdle said. ``The next move is to have him move up to the mound.'' ... Hurdle made some lineup adjustments, having 3B Garrett Atkins bat second in the order and 2B Luis Gonzalez sixth. ``I wanted to shake things up and see what happens,'' Hurdle said. ``I considered hitting Todd Helton second, but felt he needed to lose 12 or 15 pounds to hit there.''
---
---
SAN DIEGO: RHP Mike Thompson will make his major league debut as the starting pitcher Wednesday night at Arizona, manager Bruce Bochy said. Thompson, who is 5-0 at Triple-A Portland with a 3.79 ERA in seven starts, will take the rotation spot that opened up when Woody Williams went on the disabled list with a strained left calf May 13. To make room for Thompson, the Padres planned to make a roster move after Tuesday night's game. ... LHP Shawn Estes, on the disabled list with a strained elbow, threw 30 pitches off a mound on Wednesday. Bochy said Estes was unlikely to return until mid-June.
ARIZONA: Arizona Cardinal quarterback Matt Leinart, drafted 10th overall last month, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Wednesday night's game against San Diego. ... RHP Russ Ortiz, on the disabled list with a strained right calf, pitched at Triple-A Tucson Tuesday night. ... After 38 games, the Diamondbacks ranked in the top five in the NL in hitting (.270, fourth), pitching (a 4.18 ERA, fifth) and fielding (.987, tied for second). Arizona had a league-best 53 double plays through Monday. ... RHP Brandon Medders, who opened the season on the disabled list with an inflamed back, has pitched well since rejoining the bullpen. Medders worked two scoreless innings against San Diego Monday night, extending his scoreless string to 10 2-3 innings.
May 16, 2006
TEXAS: 1B Mark Teixeira was 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in his career against RHP Shawn Chacon before hitting a single in the first inning. ... RHP Vicente Padilla is slated to start Thursday against the Yankees. Padilla had his outing pushed back this week because of tendinitis in his right ankle and he threw about 35 pitches during a bullpen session Monday. ``I think we're at the point where we've been cautious to a fault,'' manager Buck Showalter said. ``He's ready to go.'' The Rangers plan to bring up RHP Robinson Tejeda from Triple-A Oklahoma to start Friday night in Houston against LHP Andy Pettitte. ... DH-1B Erubiel Durazo, who was at Triple-A, opted out of his contract Monday and became a free agent. ... Showalter is happy with the production of leadoff batter Gary Matthews Jr., regardless of whether he looks the part. ``He's got the ability to do it. He can play a lot of different phases of the game,'' Showalter said. ``What is your typical leadoff hitter anymore? Omar Moreno ain't walking around here anymore.''
NEW YORK: 1B Jason Giambi didn't start because of a stiff neck. He went to Manhattan for therapy earlier in the day. ``Hopefully, it'll be fine by tomorrow,'' Giambi said. ``It's not that bad. It's a lot better than it was last night.'' Manager Joe Torre said it sounds as though Giambi will be able to play Wednesday night or Thursday. ``The biggest thing is just getting it right,'' Giambi said. ... General manager Brian Cashman on the possibility of signing Roger Clemens: ``If he wants us involved, then we'll be excited. If not, we'll respect his decision.''
---
---
MINNESOTA: DH Rondell White extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a second-inning RBI single Tuesday. The run matched Minnesota's entire offensive output in their first visit to Comerica Park. They were outscored 33-1 while being swept in a three-game series April 28-30. ... The Twins have not had a homer from a DH or a SS this season. ... RHP Kyle Lohse made his third start against the Tigers Tuesday. In his first two, he was 0-2 with a 12.10 ERA.
DETROIT: The Tigers entered Tuesday's game having allowed only 127 runs in their first 37 games. The only other Detroit teams since 1950 to allow that few runs in their first 37 games - 1968, 1972 and 1984 - all reached the postseason. ... CF Curtis Granderson has not made an error in his 89-game major-league career, the longest streak to start a career by an outfielder in Tigers history. ... DH Dmitri Young (quadriceps) was in the lineup for the first time since May 10.
---
---
KANSAS CITY: The Royals released RHP Joe Mays on Tuesday. Mays, who left Minnesota to sign a $1 million contract Dec. 23, was designated for assignment May 8 after going 0-4 with a 10.27 ERA in six starts. ... LHP Mark Redman, who had been scheduled to start Thursday afternoon in Cleveland, now is slated to start Friday in an interleague game against intrastate rival St. Louis. ... SS Angel Berroa hasn't drawn a walk in his last 29 games and has only one in 35 games this season. ... INF Esteban German is 1-for-12 in his last three starts.
CLEVELAND: Manager Eric Wedge wants to use RHP Rafael Betancourt as the primary setup man for closer Bob Wickman. ``We'll try to get an inning under his belt, then use him in eighth-inning situations,'' Wedge said. Betancourt was activated from the 15-day disabled list Tuesday after missing 23 games with a strained upper back muscle. ... RHP Jeremy Guthrie was sent back to Triple-A Buffalo after compiling a 4.63 ERA in six games in relief while Betancourt was out. ``Jeremy did nothing wrong, he's just the odd man out,'' Wedge said. ``He'll go back to a starting role at Buffalo.'' ... The Indians announced the starting time of the June 4 game against the Angels has been changed from 1:05 p.m. to 8:09 p.m.
---
---
BOSTON: LHP David Wells, whose first two tries at a simulated game were washed out by bad weather, threw 82 pitches in a four-inning session Tuesday afternoon. Covering first base, Wells reported few problems with the balky right knee that landed him on the 15-day disabled list April 14. ``When I can do that, and bounce off the mound after a pitch, then I think that's the most important thing. That and getting over my front leg on all my pitches,'' Wells said. Barring any complications, Wells will be sent to Triple-A Pawtucket for a rehabilitation start Sunday at Scranton, Pa. He hopes to be activated and pitch on May 26 versus Tampa Bay. ... RHP David Riske, on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain, will join Triple-A Pawtucket for rehabilitation appearances at Buffalo on Wednesday and Scranton-Wilkes Barre on Friday. Riske will then rejoin the Red Sox to be re-evaluated. ... RHP Josh Beckett will start Saturday at Philadelphia, with LHP Lenny DiNardo now scheduled to pitch Sunday. ... OF Dustan Mohr won't rejoin the Red Sox before late Tuesday or early Wednesday after the birth of his first child, McKenzie.
BALTIMORE: 2B Brian Roberts (strained groin) could be activated from the 15-day DL on Wednesday, although it's more likely that he will play with Double-A Bowie on a rehabilitation assignment. ``More than anything, we're trying to do the right thing,'' Roberts said. ``Yeah, I want to play here, but if for the next four months it's smart to make sure everything's OK first, then we'll do that.'' ... DH Kevin Millar and OF Luis Matos, both of whom are locked in horrid slumps, took extra batting practice Tuesday. Millar, who's batting .220 and hasn't started since Friday, said, ``The guys that don't keep working and feel sorry for themselves, that's when you're not ready for the opportunity. Whenever I get the next chance to play - whether it's in a week, 10 days, three months - I'll be ready.''
---
---
CHICAGO: Manager Ozzie Guillen still believes Chicago is a Cubs town despite the White Sox winning the World Series last year. ``If we played the way the Cubs played, we'll get 2,000 at the ballpark, believe me,'' Guillen said. ``You're not going to turn the lights on and off in one year. You've got to continue to do it.'' Guillen praised the White Sox organization for efforts in bringing kids to the ballpark. The Cubs, who had lost nine of 10 entering Tuesday, and White Sox start a three-game series Friday. ... Guillen said RHP Jose Contreras (pinched nerve in his right leg) was OK one day after a bullpen session and remains on target to return Sunday.
TAMPA BAY: Manager Joe Maddon will miss games Friday and Saturday against Florida to attend his girlfriend's graduation from law school in California. Bench coach Bill Evers will fill in for Maddon. ... 2B Jorge Cantu (broken bone in left foot) could return early next month. ``He's feeling better,'' Maddon said. ... CF Rocco Baldelli is scheduled to play in an extended spring training game Wednesday and could begin a two to three week rehabiltation assignment with Double-A Montgomery next week. ... RHP Seth McClung (knee bruise) is slated to make his next start on Wednesday.
---
---
SEATTLE: RHP Julio Mateo will throw a simulated game on Wednesday and could be activated from the DL as early as Thursday. ``We'll evaluate him after that,'' manager Mike Hargrove said. ``We could wait until we get home on Friday but it depends on how we use our bullpen the next couple of days.'' Mateo has been on the DL with right shoulder tendinitis since April 29. ... After getting two days off in the past five days, the Mariners are beginning a stretch in which they get one day in the next 27. ... SS Yuniesky Betancourt committed his first error of the season on May 7 and has four errors total. ``Things in this game have a way of evening up,'' Hargrove said. ``We're still trying to figure out what his track record is. He's good though but it doesn't take a genius to see that.''
OAKLAND: C Jeremy Brown was sent back to Sacramento without appearing in a game with the A's. He was called up as insurance when C Jason Kendall served his four-game suspension for his part in an altercation with Angels RHP John Lackey on May 2. ... LHP Randy Keisler was placed on the bereavement list effective Monday. He left the team in New York to be with his ailing grandmother. He's expected to rejoin the team on Thursday in Oakland. ... RHP Esteban Loaiza threw a side session and if everything goes well he will pitch a simulated game on Friday. RHP Rich Harden threw from 120 feet on Monday and is tentatively scheduled for a bullpen session in Chicago on Monday. Harden has been out since April 27 with a muscle strain in his back. ... OF Milton Bradley suffered a setback with his strained oblique muscle. ... RHP Jay Witasick did some throwing off the mound as he rehabs a severely sprained left ankle. ... There is no timetable for RHP Justin Duchscherer, who has right elbow tendinitis. ``He will not be doing anything for the next few days,'' Macha said. ... LHP Joe Kennedy was not available on Tuesday but ``his return is imminent,'' Macha said.
---
---
TORONTO: C Bengie Molina and 3B Troy Glaus, who helped lead the Angels to a World Series title in 2002, returned to Anaheim as opponents for the first time. Molina, who was not re-signed after helping the Angels' pitching staff record its lowest ERA in 16 years, decided it was improper to visit the clubhouse where he spent his first seven big league seasons. ``I know they're my friends and all that, but it would be like disrespecting their home. So think they deserve that respect,'' said Molina, whose brother Jose still catches for the Angels. ... Glaus, who spent last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks after the Angels decided not to offer him another contract, was the MVP of the '02 World Series and is in just about every photograph documenting the final out. ``Nothing holds a candle to watching Ersty (Darin Erstad) catch that ball in right-center field,'' Glaus said of his memories of Angel Stadium. ``Obviously Bengie and I have a lot of great memories here, and I always enjoyed playing here. Both of us came up through the organization. We've had some bad times and some really really good times, too. But once the game starts, my job is different. It used to be to win ballgames here for the Angels. Now it's my job to help will ballgames for Toronto.''
LOS ANGELES: RHP Jeff Weaver, who saw his record fall to 5-1 and his ERA swell to 6.53 after giving up four home runs in Sunday's 9-4 loss to Seattle, met behind closed doors before batting practice with manager Mike Scioscia, pitching coach Bud Black and catchers Jose Molina and Mike Napoli. ``I think we had some great feedback from our catchers and from Weave,'' Scioscia said. ``What it comes down to is that he needs to get back to pitching a little bit because he's been overthrowing. We talked about last year and how he got on a great run. It just comes down to hitting spots and being more of a pitcher. He's been trying to throw too hard and pulling out of his normal delivery, which affects the location and action on the ball. The catchers felt very good about him getting back to that type of game, and Weave does, too. He threw the ball well for long stretches last year, and he's very confident he can get back to that. We are, too. He's had success pitching in the American League, and I think he will again once he gets back to just pitching.''
---
---
---
CINCINNATI: LHP Eric Milton, out since April 19 because of cartilage damage in his left knee, is scheduled to return to the rotation Saturday against Detroit. Manager Jerry Narron was encouraged by how Milton pitched two innings without problems in the Hall of Fame exhibition game Monday. Narron said, ``He says he's ready to go and ready to pitch, so we'll try to get him out there and get him going as quick as we can.'' ... With Milton returning, RHP Elizardo Ramirez was bumped from his scheduled start Thursday in Pittsburgh, with Williams pitching that day rather than Friday. Brandon Claussen moves up to Friday from Saturday. Ramirez goes into the bullpen.
PITTSBURGH: The Pirates are encouraged by how well 1B Sean Casey (fractures in lower back) and RHP Kip Wells (surgery to repair blocked artery) are responding. Wells threw a bullpen session Monday in Bradenton, Fla., then returned to Pittsburgh to throw two more sessions Thursday and Saturday. If there are no setbacks, he will return to Bradenton to pitch in the extended spring camp before heading to Triple-A Indianapolis or Double-A Altoona for approximately three rehabilitation starts. Wells thinks he could be back in the majors by mid-June, about a month ahead of schedule. Casey is taking batting practice, fielding ground balls and throwing, though there is no timetable for his return. ... Jose Bautista has been leading off since being called up from the minors May 7, but manager Jim Tracy envisions him as a future middle-of-the order hitter.
---
---
FLORIDA: The Marlins hope to get four or five innings out of RHP Ricky Nolasco, who will start Wednesday in place of injured Sergio Mitre. ``You watch and see how he is around 60-65 pitches,'' manager Joe Girardi said. ``If he looks strong, maybe let him go 10 more.'' ... During batting practice, Girardi is constantly reminding young first baseman Mike Jacobs not to swing too hard. ``Stay short. Don't try to hit balls out of the ballpark,'' Girardi says. That advice paid off Monday with one of the best games of Jacobs' career. He homered and had a career-high six RBIs. ``When he does that, he hits balls out of the ball park,'' Girardi said. ... OF Jeremy Hermida, who's played only six games this season because of an injured right hip flexor, might be able to rejoin the Marlins this weekend. He's been rehabbing at extended spring training in Florida.
ATLANTA: RHP Chad Paronto is making a good impression out of the Braves bullpen. The hefty reliever allowed just one run in his first four appearances, including three scoreless innings on Monday that gave Atlanta a chance to get back in the game after the Marlins jumped ahead 5-0. Paronto surprised even himself by striking out six during that appearance. ``I don't usually strike out a lot of guys,'' he said after the Braves rallied for an 11-8 victory. ``That was a bonus.'' Paronto, who began the season at Triple-A Richmond after struggling in spring training, allowed two hits and a run in his first appearance. Since then, he's worked five scoreless innings, giving up only two hits with a walk and seven strikeouts. ``I wanted it to be perfect,'' said Paronto, looking back on that first outing. ``It's been 2 1/2 years since I've been here (in the majors), and I'd done everything I could to get back here.''
---
---
WASHINGTON: Nationals GM Jim Bowden is a busy man and it's not even June. With his team struggling at 13-25, already 10 1/2 games behind first place New York in the NL East, going into Tuesday's game at Chicago, Bowden said teams are clamoring for struggling outfielder Jose Guillen (.227, five homers, 18 RBIs) among others. A new ownership group, led by former Atlanta executive Stan Kasten and real estate developer Theodore Kasten, is waiting to be approved by MLB, but that isn't hampering any possible deals. ``If we can make a trade to improve our organization, we're going to go ahead and go forward with that,'' Bowden said. ``That doesn't mean (team president) Tony (Tavares) and I won't consult with Stan or Mr. Lerner, because certainly I think it would be appropriate, depending on the magnitude of the deal. But certainly we're going forward in all of our trade discussions, which are happening on a very regular basis.'' ... RHP Ryan Drese's right elbow will need another two to four weeks of rehab after a doctor diagnosed him with a partial tear of the UCL, manager Frank Robinson said.
CHICAGO: Cubs manager Dusty Baker tried to get away from his team's woes on Monday's off-day but they seem to follow him everywhere, even when fishing. ``It was a rough day yesterday,'' Baker said. ``We went out a couple miles and then a big wave hit us, so we decided to come back in. Then we went to (another lake), which is beautiful, didn't catch much. Then we went to take off someplace else, and the boat wouldn't move. Then we checked the engine and then the propeller came off.'' Any symbolism there with the team's disappointing 15-22 start? ``Quite a bit actually,'' he said, laughing. Baker said he doesn't think anything can get worse after that trip, which ended with his boat getting towed. ``It's time for us to put this behind us,'' he said. ``Leave it at the lake yesterday.'' ... Baker slotted Matt Murton in the second spot for the first time this season. Ronny Cedeno, with just two hits in his last 12 at-bats, dropped back down to the eighth spot, where he had success earlier in the season.
---
---
PHILADELPHIA: 1B Ryan Howard was back in the starting lineup after not starting on Sunday due to a stomach ailment that prompted a trip to the emergency room Saturday night. Howard did enter Sunday's game against Cincinnati in the eighth inning and hit a pinch-hit home run to tie the game at 1-1. He then won the game with a solo home run in the 12th inning. He is just the fourth player in the Major League Baseball history and first since 1992 to hit both a pinch home run and an extra-inning home run in the same game. The Astros Jeff Bagwell was the last player to do it in 1992. ... RF Bobby Abreu was also back in the starting lineup after missing the past two games with mild back spasms. The last time Abreu missed two straight games was May 25-27, 2003.
MILWAUKEE: SS J.J. Hardy was back in the starting lineup after sitting out the past two games. Hardy has been struggling at the plate recently, with five hits in his last 37 at-bats. ``J.J. will get his hits, I'm not worried about it,'' manager Ned Yost said. ``I just wanted to give him a couple of days of rest. I expect him to start hitting any day now.'' ... The Brewers claimed RHP Chris Mabeus off waivers from the Oakland Athletics. Mabeus went 0-1 with a 4.58 ERA in 12 relief appearances at Triple-A Sacramento this season. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Brewers designated RHP Jared Fernandez for assignment. The team has 10 days to trade or release Fernandez.
---
---
SAN FRANCISCO: Pedro Feliz, who has played every inning this season, was thrilled his mother, Milta, was able to watch Monday night's game in his native Dominican Republic. Feliz hit his fourth career grand slam. ``Lucky her,'' he said. ``She got to see it.'' ... Jose Vizcaino made his first start at 1B on Tuesday night in place of Lance Niekro, who's nursing a sore right shoulder. Vizcaino, who played the last five seasons in Houston, had made 10 previous starts this season - seven at 2B and three at SS. ... RF Moises Alou, sidelined with a severely sprained right ankle, took batting practice for the first time since being injured May 5. ... RHP Brad Hennessey made a solid fill-in start for struggling rookie RHP Matt Cain, though he knows by the weekend, he's back in the bullpen. Hennessey (3-1) allowed one run on seven hits in the first five innings of the Giants' 10-1 win in Houston on Monday. Cain (1-5) is slated to start Sunday's game at Oakland. ``I try to take advantage of my opportunities when I get them,'' Hennessey said.
HOUSTON: 1B Lance Berkman was out of the starting lineup for the third time in four games with tightness in his left hamstring. Berkman told manager Phil Garner before Tuesday's game against San Francisco that he was eager to play, but Garner opted to bench him as a precaution. ... Like Barry Bonds, Astros 2B Craig Biggio is also chasing Hank Aaron. Biggio hit his 620th career double in Monday's 10-1 loss to the Giants, leaving him four behind Aaron, who's ninth all-time. ... With Monday's game out of reach in the late innings, Garner slipped in some unusual roster moves. Veteran catcher Brad Ausmus, who holds the franchise record for games caught, replaced Biggio at 2B for the final two innings. Garner also sent LHP Andy Pettitte to the plate in the ninth for his first career at-bat as a pinch hitter. Pettitte struck out. ``Just trying to have a little fun,'' Garner said.
---
---
NEW YORK: Manager Willie Randolph refused to put extra emphasis on a tough stretch of games with the next nine against the Cardinals, Yankees and Phillies, and with his team having lost five of seven. ``We didn't think we were going to go wire to wire, did we?'' Randolph said. ``We've got to keep the game in perspective. We lost a couple of series. So what? There's so much baseball to go that you almost don't feel like looking at the standings.'' ... IF Jose Offerman was promoted to Triple-A Norfolk and will join the team on Wednesday. ... CF Carlos Beltran hit .159 at old Busch Stadium, with two homers and three RBIs in 63 at-bats.
ST. LOUIS: Despite a .417 average, John Rodriguez, a left-handed hitter, was on the bench on Tuesday with the Cardinals facing LHP Tom Glavine. So Taguchi got a start and hit second, where Rodriguez has thrived. ``This guy's been beating up on left-handed hitters. Right-handed hitters, too,'' manager Tony La Russa said of Glavine. ``I don't think anybody has got a big edge the way he's throwing.'' ... RHP Anthony Reyes, at Triple-A Memphis, is likely to fill a vacancy in the rotation on Saturday in Kansas City. The Cardinals have needed only four starters since RHP Sidney Ponson went on the 15-day disabled list with an elbow injury, and this is the first time they'll need a fifth.
---
---
LOS ANGELES: RHP Eric Gagne (right elbow) had no soreness after throwing a 25-pitch bullpen session Tuesday before the game. ``He threw his change up, breaking pitches and fastball and left the bullpen with a smile on his face ,'' manager Grady Little said. ``We'll have him throw batting practice Friday in Los Angeles and another one next week before deciding our next step.'' ... Little recalled his first time in Coors Field, when he was a bullpen coach with San Diego in 1996. ``I had an idea it would be a different experience,'' Little said. ``By the end of the game the bullpen catcher and I were the only ones left to walk in from the bullpen.''
COLORADO: Manager Clint Hurdle had his own take on the delivery of Los Angeles RHP Takashi Saito. ``He looks like a Jig Saw puzzle,'' Hurdle said. ``He throws with a lot of hesitations and body movement.'' ... RHP Mike DeJean (right shoulder tendinitis) played catch on the side without pain, throwing from 60 feet apart. ``Mike didn't complain about anything,'' Hurdle said. ``The next move is to have him move up to the mound.'' ... Hurdle made some lineup adjustments, having 3B Garrett Atkins bat second in the order and 2B Luis Gonzalez sixth. ``I wanted to shake things up and see what happens,'' Hurdle said. ``I considered hitting Todd Helton second, but felt he needed to lose 12 or 15 pounds to hit there.''
---
---
SAN DIEGO: RHP Mike Thompson will make his major league debut as the starting pitcher Wednesday night at Arizona, manager Bruce Bochy said. Thompson, who is 5-0 at Triple-A Portland with a 3.79 ERA in seven starts, will take the rotation spot that opened up when Woody Williams went on the disabled list with a strained left calf May 13. To make room for Thompson, the Padres planned to make a roster move after Tuesday night's game. ... LHP Shawn Estes, on the disabled list with a strained elbow, threw 30 pitches off a mound on Wednesday. Bochy said Estes was unlikely to return until mid-June.
ARIZONA: Arizona Cardinal quarterback Matt Leinart, drafted 10th overall last month, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Wednesday night's game against San Diego. ... RHP Russ Ortiz, on the disabled list with a strained right calf, pitched at Triple-A Tucson Tuesday night. ... After 38 games, the Diamondbacks ranked in the top five in the NL in hitting (.270, fourth), pitching (a 4.18 ERA, fifth) and fielding (.987, tied for second). Arizona had a league-best 53 double plays through Monday. ... RHP Brandon Medders, who opened the season on the disabled list with an inflamed back, has pitched well since rejoining the bullpen. Medders worked two scoreless innings against San Diego Monday night, extending his scoreless string to 10 2-3 innings.