AOL has these things up early each night (10-11PM, PDT) and there is a nugget or two in each in addition to easily tracking streaks and so on. Thought you might like to look at them.
Marlins-Brewers Preview
.c The Associated Press
GAME: Florida Marlins (54-52) at Milwaukee Brewers (45-60).
TIME: Thursday, 2:05 p.m. EDT.
The Florida Marlins look to build on the momentum of a rare late-inning win as they try for a three-game sweep of the struggling Milwaukee Brewers.
Derrek Lee doubled to start a three-run rally in the ninth inning, then hit an RBI double with two outs in the 10th, lifting the Marlins over the Brewers 5-4 on Wednesday.
Florida had been 1-46 when trailing after eight innings. The win was Florida's first in extra innings since May 30. The Marlins had lost four straight extra-inning games.
``That was fun,'' Florida manager Tony Perez said. ``The ninth inning, that was fantastic.''
The Marlins have won two straight following a four-game losing streak. They've scored five runs in each of their last two games after amassing just 11 during their slide.
Losers of four straight, the Brewers are 3-16 since the All-Star break. They were 6-20 in July.
Milwaukee gets manager Davey Lopes back on Thursday. Lopes missed the first two games of the series after being suspended for his comments regarding San Diego's Rickey Henderson on Sunday.
STANDINGS: Marlins - 3rd place, 5 1/2 GB, NL East. Brewers - 4th place, 16 1/2 GB, NL Central.
MARLINS PROBABLE STARTER: Gary Knotts (0-0, 0.00 ERA). Knotts made his major league debut Saturday, pitching one scoreless inning of relief in a 5-0 loss to Cincinnati. Knotts was 4-4 with a 5.29 ERA in 15 starts for Triple-A Calgary, but was called up to replace injured righty Chuck Smith in the Marlins' rotation.
BREWERS PROBABLE STARTER: Allen Levrault (4-6, 5.08 ERA). Levrault has lost his last three and five of his last six starts. The 23-year-old right-hander has had trouble keeping the ball in the park this season, giving up 19 home runs in 79 2-3 innings. In two appearances against the Marlins, Levrault has pitched four scoreless innings without a decision.
OFFENSIVE LEADERS: Marlins - Cliff Floyd, .343 avg., 28 HRs, 89 RBIs and 91 runs; Luis Castillo, 30 SBs. Brewers - Ronnie Belliard, .281 avg. and 65 runs; Richie Sexson, 26 HRs and 71 RBIs; Devon White, 10 SBs.
SEASON SERIES: Marlins, 4-1.
STREAKS AND NOTES: Marlins - OF Ryan Thompson has opted for free agency after being designated for assignment. ... 1B Lee is 7-for-13 over his last three games. Brewers - 2B Belliard has not had an error since May 17, a span of 51 games. ... SS Mark Loretta is hitless in his last seven at-bats.
ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Marlins - 22-34 on the road. Brewers - 25-30 at home.
INJURIES: Marlins - RHP Alex Fernandez (shoulder), 60-day DL; 2B Pablo Ozuna (wrist), 60-day DL; 1B Nate Rolison (wrist), 15-day DL; OF Preston Wilson (thumb), 15-day DL; RHP Vladimir Nunez (quadriceps), 15-day DL; RHP Smith (elbow), 15-day DL. Brewers - RHP Everett Stull (shoulder), 60-day DL; LHP Valerio de los Santos (elbow), 60-day DL; RHP Paul Rigdon (elbow), 15-day DL; RHP Jeff D'Amico (elbow), 15-day DL; RHP Mark Leiter (biceps), 60-day DL; OF Jeffrey Hammonds (shoulder), 15-day DL; 1B Tyler Houston (foot), 15-day DL; RHP Mike Buddie (ankle), 15-day DL; OF Geoff Jenkins (thumb), 15-day DL.
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Mets-Astros Preview
.c The Associated Press
GAME: New York Mets (50-58) at Houston Astros (58-49).
TIME: Thursday, 8:05 p.m. EDT.
No stranger to hitters' ballparks, Pedro Astacio takes the mound at Enron Field for the first time with the Houston Astros as they conclude a three-game set with the New York Mets.
Astacio was traded to the Astros just before the trade deadline Tuesday, a deal that sent injured starter Scott Elarton to the Colorado Rockies.
Astacio is going from one hitter-friendly park to another, and to him, it's no big deal. The right-hander, who has allowed 21 home runs this season, was 6-13 with a 5.49 ERA overall prior to the trade. At Coors Field, where baseballs are known to travel a long distance due to the thin air, Astacio was 3-5 with a 7.12 ERA.
Enron Field is yielding 11.2 runs per game, which is the third-most in baseball behind Coors Field and The Ballpark in Arlington. Astacio says he's not intimidated and is looking forward to pitching in his new home.
``It's a beautiful ballpark,'' Astacio said. ``I've pitched one game there, but I like it. But I like every ballpark. You have to go and pitch and it doesn't matter about the park.''
Newcomer Matt Lawton hit a tiebreaking single in the 10th inning on Wednesday, leading the Mets to an 8-2 win to even the series. Lawton came over from Minnesota for starter Rick Reed on Monday.
New York has won four of five, while Houston has lost two of three and four of six.
STANDINGS: Mets - 4th place, 10 1/2 GB, NL East. Astros - 2nd place, 4 1/2 GB, NL Central.
METS PROBABLE STARTER: Steve Trachsel (5-10, 5.42 ERA). Despite his unimpressive numbers, Trachsel is currently the Mets' hottest pitcher, going 3-0 with a 1.17 ERA in his last three starts. He has held opponents to no earned runs in three of his past five outings. The right-hander allowed one unearned run and six hits in eight innings with no walks and six strikeouts Friday in a 6-1 win over Philadelphia. Trachsel worked six strong innings April 30 in an 8-2 victory over the Astros.
ASTROS PROBABLE STARTER: Astacio (6-13, 5.49 ERA). Astacio lost his last four starts while with Colorado and was 1-8 with a 6.87 ERA over his last 10 outings. The veteran right-hander gave up three runs and eight hits in six innings Friday in a 4-2 loss at Los Angeles. Astacio beat the Mets on May 8, and is 9-6 with a 4.10 ERA in 21 career appearances against them.
OFFENSIVE LEADERS: Mets - Mike Piazza, .292 avg., 26 HRs and 63 RBIs; Robin Ventura, 57 runs; Desi Relaford, 11 SBs. Astros - Moises Alou, .359 avg.; Jeff Bagwell and Lance Berkman, 28 HRs; Berkman, 92 RBIs and 83 runs; Julio Lugo, 10 SBs.
SEASON SERIES: Mets, 3-2.
STREAKS AND NOTES: Mets - 3B Ventura is 7-for-12 lifetime against RHP Astacio. ... 1B Todd Zeile is batting .357 (15-for-42) with two home runs and three doubles against Astacio. Astros - C Brad Ausmus is 7-for-15 with two home runs against RHP Trachsel. ... 3B Vinny Castilla is batting .375 (12-for-32) with four home runs and four doubles against Trachsel.
ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Mets - 22-33 on the road. Astros - 27-27 at home.
INJURIES: Mets - RHP Eric Cammack (elbow), 60-day DL; LHP Bobby Jones (shoulder), 15-day DL; LHP Tom Martin (shoulder), 15-day DL; INF Jorge Velandia (oblique), 15-day DL. Astros - RHP Doug Brocail (hamstring and elbow), 60-day DL; INF Bill Spiers (back), 60-day DL; RHP Kent Bottenfield (shoulder), 60-day DL.
AP-NY-08-02-01 0050EDT
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Rangers-Yankees Preview
.c The Associated Press
GAME: Texas Rangers (48-59) at New York Yankees (65-42).
TIME: Thursday, 1:05 p.m. EDT.
The New York Yankees hope to continue stretching their advantage in the AL East race as they shoot for their 10th victory in 11 games in the finale of a series with the Texas Rangers.
After having an eight-game winning streak snapped with a 6-2 loss in Tuesday's opener, the Yankees belted a season-high five homers en route to a wild 9-7 win on Wednesday.
Chuck Knoblauch, Paul O'Neill, Alfonso Soriano, Derek Jeter and Tino Martinez each went deep within the first three innings as the Yankees built an early 8-1 lead before holding on late behind closer Mariano Rivera's 200th career save.
New York has hit 25 homers in its last 10 games, and has used the hot stretch to build a formidable 4 1/2-game lead over second-place Boston in the East.
O'Neill, the reigning AL player of the week, has at least one extra-base hit in each of his last 10 games. He is the first Yankee to accomplish the feat since former New York first baseman Don Mattingly in 1987.
The Yankees have won 23 of their last 32 overall and own the second-best record in the majors behind the Seattle Mariners.
The Rangers had won eight of nine before Wednesday's setback.
STANDINGS: Rangers - 4th place, 29 GB, AL West. Yankees - 1st place, AL East.
RANGERS PROBABLE STARTER: Aaron Myette (0-1, 9.00 ERA). Myette, who has taken the rotation spot of injured left-hander Kenny Rogers, made his first start since May 23 on Saturday. The right-hander allowed two runs and five hits over six innings, but didn't receive a decision in the Rangers' 7-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Myette is making his first career appearance against the Yankees.
YANKEES PROBABLE STARTER: Mike Mussina (11-8, 3.53 ERA). The right-hander has been outstanding since June 16, winning six of his last seven decisions. Mussina has allowed two earned runs or fewer in four of his last five starts. He surrendered one run and four hits over eight strong innings in a 9-1 victory at Toronto on Friday. Mussina is 10-7 with a 3.39 ERA in 20 career starts against the Rangers.
OFFENSIVE LEADERS: Rangers - Alex Rodriguez, .317 avg., 29 HRs, 89 RBIs and 88 runs; Gabe Kapler, 12 SBs. Yankees - Jeter, .308 avg. and 76 runs; Martinez, 24 HRs and 82 RBIs; Knoblauch, 31 SBs.
SEASON SERIES: Tied, 1-1.
STREAKS AND NOTES: Rangers - The five homers off RHP Rob Bell on Wednesday tied the record for the most allowed by a Texas pitcher. RHPs Charlie Hough and Rick Helling also yielded five long balls in a single game for the Rangers.
ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Rangers - 22-31 on the road. Yankees - 35-20 at home.
INJURIES: Rangers - LHP Justin Thompson (shoulder), 60-day DL; OF Chad Curtis (hamstring), 15-day DL; OF Rusty Greer (hamstring and back), 15-day DL; C Mike Hubbard (thumb), 15-day DL; RHP Francisco Cordero (back), 15-day DL; RHP Tim Crabtree (shoulder), 60-day DL; RHP J.D. Smart (shoulder), 15-day DL; LHP Rogers (shoulder), 15-day DL; OF Ruben Sierra (groin), 15-day DL. Yankees - RHP Darrell Einertson (arm), 60-day DL; LHP Allen Watson (shoulder), 60-day DL; RHP Christian Parker (shoulder), 60-day DL; RHP Orlando Hernandez (toe), 15-day DL; OF Justice (groin), 15-day DL; C Posada (stomach flu), day-to-day.
AP-NY-08-01-01 2337EDT
Athletics-Indians Preview
.c The Associated Press
GAME: Oakland Athletics (57-50) at Cleveland Indians (61-45).
TIME: Thursday, 7:05 p.m. EDT.
Two of the best young left-handers in the American League square off as Mark Mulder and C.C. Sabathia take the hill in the rubber game of a series between the Oakland Athletics and Cleveland Indians at Jacobs Field.
Mulder concluded an outstanding July with his third shutout of the month and AL-leading fourth of the season, beating the Kansas City Royals 5-0 on Friday. The 23-year-old allowed just four hits while striking out seven to finish the month 4-1 with a 1.74 ERA.
Mulder has allowed more than three earned runs in just two of his last 10 starts, with Oakland winning the last six games he has started. Overall, the Oakland pitching staff has been superb of late. The starters finished July with five shutouts, threw seven games without issuing a walk and amassed a major league-low 2.81 ERA.
Sabathia also had a big July, establishing himself as one of the most consistent starters on the Cleveland staff. The 21-year-old southpaw finished July 3-0 with a 2.83 ERA. Sabathia has not allowed more than four hits in any one outing since July 7, a span of four starts. The Indians have won his last six starts.
The first-place Indians extended their lead in the AL Central to 1 1/2 games with a 6-5 win on Wednesday. Jim Thome hit his AL-leading 34th homer and Marty Cordova had a two run-single to help Cleveland snap a three-game losing streak.
The Indians activated Ellis Burks before Wednesday's game, hoping the outfielder would give an injury-depleted offense some punch. Burks, in his first game back since breaking his thumb on July 16, was 2-for-4 with a run scored.
The Indians also recalled right-handed pitcher Tim Drew from Triple-A Buffalo and optioned right-handers Jake Westbrook and Ryan Drese to the Bisons.
The A's, who will be playing the third of 13 consecutive games, failed to gain any ground in the wild card race with Wednesday's loss and remain 3 1/2 games behind the Boston Red Sox. Oakland will play seven of its next 11 against playoff contenders.
STANDINGS: Athletics - 2nd place, 20 GB, AL West. Indians - 1st place, AL Central.
ATHLETICS PROBABLE STARTER: Mulder (12-6, 3.38 ERA). The left-hander is among the league leaders in wins, ERA and innings (149 1-3). Mulder has a 4.50 ERA against the Indians, winning both of his career starts against them.
INDIANS PROBABLE STARTER: Sabathia (10-3, 4.18 ERA). Sabathia beat the Detroit Tigers 6-4 on Saturday, allowing three runs in six innings while striking out seven. This will be his first appearance against Oakland.
OFFENSIVE LEADERS: Athletics - Jason Giambi, .325 avg., 24 HRs and 77 RBIs; Miguel Tejada, 72 runs; Johnny Damon, 16 SBs. Indians - Roberto Alomar, .351 avg., 78 runs and 20 SBs; Thome, 34 HRs; Juan Gonzalez, 95 RBIs.
SEASON SERIES: Tied, 1-1.
STREAKS AND NOTES: Athletics - OF Damon led off the game Wednesday with a line-drive double for his 1,000th career hit. ... C Ramon Hernandez has thrown out five of the last 27 runners attempting to steal following a 13-for-26 streak. Indians - SS Omar Vizquel got his 234th stolen base with the Indians in the first inning Wednesday, passing Ray Chapman for fourth place on the team's career list. ... 1B Thome has 14 homers in his last 30 games. ... LHP Chuck Finley pitched six scoreless innings in a rehab start for Double-A Akron. Finley, on the DL since June 26 with spasms in his neck and left shoulder, allowed three hits and struck out eight.
ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Athletics - 28-26 on the road. Indians - 29-25 at home.
INJURIES: Athletics - RHP Chad Harville (shoulder), 60-day DL; OF Adam Piatt (viral meningitis), 15-day DL; OF Mario Valdez (hand), 60-day DL; OF Billy McMillon (shoulder), 15-day DL. Indians - LHP Cameron Cairncross (shoulder), 60-day DL; LHP Finley (neck and shoulder), 15-day DL; RHP Paul Shuey (elbow), 15-day DL; RF Gonzalez (hamstring), day-to-day.
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Braves-Cardinals Preview
.c The Associated Press
GAME: Atlanta Braves (60-47) at St. Louis Cardinals (54-51).
TIME: Thursday, 8:10 p.m. EDT.
One day after tying Harmon Killebrew for fifth place on the career home run list, Mark McGwire looks to continue his power surge as the St. Louis Cardinals try for a three-game sweep of the Atlanta Braves.
McGwire hit his 573rd homer on Wednesday in the Cardinals' 4-0 win over the Braves. The slugger, whose last nine hits have all been home runs, connected for his 19th of the season in the sixth inning. McGwire trails Frank Robinson by 13 for fourth place on the career list.
Outfielder Ray Lankford might rejoin the Cardinals after remaining on a leave for the second day. St. Louis general manager Walt Jocketty said Lankford ``probably'' will rejoin the team in the finale of the series. But both Jocketty and manager Tony La Russa have both told Lankford he'll be the fourth outfielder if and when he returns.
Jocketty wouldn't say whether the Cardinals had asked waivers on the 34-year-old Lankford, who is batting .235 with 15 home runs, 39 RBIs and 105 strikeouts in 264 at-bats.
St. Louis has won three of four.
Atlanta acquired shortstop Rey Sanchez from the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday for a couple of minor leaguers, and then promptly dumped injury-prone second baseman Quilvio Veras.
Sanchez went 2-for-4 in his Braves, losers of five of nine, debut Wednesday.
Veras missed the second half last season after tearing up a knee and was plagued by nagging ailments this season.
Atlanta has lost five of nine.
STANDINGS: Braves - 1st place, NL East. Cardinals - 3rd place, 8 GB, NL Central.
BRAVES PROBABLE STARTER: Tom Glavine (10-5, 4.04 ERA). Glavine is 4-0 with a 2.13 ERA in his last eight starts. The left-hander reached double figures in wins for the 13th consecutive season with a 10-5 victory at Montreal on Saturday, allowing three runs and five hits in seven innings. Glavine lost to the Cardinals on May 4, but is 14-5 with a 3.75 ERA in 29 career starts against them.
CARDINALS PROBABLE STARTER: Darryl Kile (10-7, 3.13 ERA). Kile had pitched at least six innings in 20 straight starts before giving up three runs and four hits in 5 1-3 innings Friday against the Chicago Cubs. He has limited opponents to three earned runs or fewer in each of his last eight outings, going 3-1 in that span. Kile is 6-11 with a 4.08 ERA in 26 career games against Atlanta.
OFFENSIVE LEADERS: Braves - Chipper Jones, .311 avg., 30 HRs, 77 RBIs and 79 runs; Rafael Furcal, 22 SBs. Cardinals - Placido Polanco, .329 avg.; Pujols, 25 HRs, 78 RBIs and 61 runs; Fernando Vina, 11 SBs.
SEASON SERIES: Cardinals, 3-2.
STREAKS AND NOTES: Braves - OF Andruw Jones is in a 2-for-24 slump. ... 1B Ken Caminiti has nine hits in his last 20 at-bats. Cardinals - SS Edgar Renteria is batting .423 (11-for-26) against Glavine. ... C Mike Matheny went 0-for-4 to extend his hitless string to 17 at-bats.
ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Braves - 32-22 on the road. Cardinals - 34-21 at home.
INJURIES: Braves - C Eddie Perez (shoulder), 60-day DL; OF George Lombard (foot), 15-day DL; LHP Odalis Perez (hand), 15-day DL; SS Furcal (shoulder), 60-day DL; RHP Kevin McGlinchy (shoulder), 60-day DL; RHP Scott Sobkowiak (arm), 60-day DL; 2B Kurt Abbott (abs), 60-day DL; RHP Joe Nelson (shoulder), 15-day DL; C Javy Lopez (back), day-to-day; OF Brian Jordan (knee and ankle), day-to-day. Cardinals - RHP Garrett Stephenson (elbow), 60-day DL; C Carlos Hernandez (back), 15-day DL; LHP Jeff Tabaka (elbow), 15-day DL; RHP Mike James (shoulder), 15-day DL; RHP Mike Timlin (knee), 15-day DL.
AP-NY-08-01-01 2310EDT
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Angels-Red Sox Preview
.c The Associated Press
GAME: Anaheim Angels (55-52) at Boston Red Sox (60-46).
TIME: Thursday, 7:05 p.m. EDT.
Bret Saberhagen looks to continue his impressive comeback as the Boston Red Sox try to avoid a three-game sweep at the hands of the visiting Anaheim Angels.
In his first appearance in nearly 22 months, Saberhagen allowed three hits in six innings Friday, lifting the Red Sox to a 9-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox.
Saberhagen missed the entire 2000 season after undergoing right rotator cuff surgery in November 1999 and another operation on that shoulder the following March.
With his fastball topping out at 93 mph, the two-time Cy Young Award winner struck out three without issuing a walk. The only run he allowed came on Royce Clayton's leadoff homer in the sixth.
``I couldn't have scripted it any better,'' he said. ``It's kind of like living in fairy-tale times.''
Troy Glaus and Tim Salmon homered to lead Anaheim to a 4-2 win Wednesday, dropping Boston a season-high 4 1/2 games behind the first-place New York Yankees in the AL East.
Reliever Ugueth Urbina, acquired from Montreal on Tuesday to bolster the Red Sox's bullpen, did not fare too well in his Boston debut, retiring just one batter, while allowing a walk and an RBI single by Garret Anderson in the eighth.
The Angels have won 11 of 12 road games and 12 of 16 overall to climb within 5 1/2 games of Boston for the AL wild card. Glaus has provided the biggest punch at the plate, as six of the third baseman's last 14 hits have been homers.
The Angels have won six of their last 16 at Fenway Park.
STANDINGS: Angels - 3rd place, 22 GB, AL West. Red Sox - 2nd place, 4 1/2 GB, AL East.
ANGELS PROBABLE STARTER: Pat Rapp (3-9, 4.62 ERA). The right-hander has pitched well in his last four starts, but he hasn't received a decision in three of those outings, allowing 11 runs and 24 hits over his last 21 2-3 innings (4.57 ERA). He surrendered eight hits and three earned runs in six innings but didn't figure in the decision in Anaheim's 6-4 win over Baltimore on Saturday.
RED SOX PROBABLE STARTER: Saberhagen (1-0, 1.50 ERA). The right-hander is 12-7 in his career against Anaheim, allowing just 40 earned runs in 163 1-3 innings. Saberhagen's 2.20 ERA against the Angels is his lowest against any AL opponent.
OFFENSIVE LEADERS: Angels - Adam Kennedy, .292 avg.; Glaus, 28 HRs and 69 runs; Anderson, 77 RBIs; Darin Erstad, 19 SBs. Red Sox - Manny Ramirez, .316 avg., 32 HRs, 96 RBIs and 73 runs; Carl Everett, 8 SBs.
SEASON SERIES: Angels, 2-0.
STREAKS AND NOTES: Angels - Anaheim improved to 47-0 when leading after eight innings. ... OF Anderson, who led the team with 22 RBIs in July, is one of only three players in the majors to play in every game this season. The others are Atlanta's Andruw Jones and Texas' Alex Rodriguez. Red Sox - SS Nomar Garciaparra was hit by LHP Scott Schoeneweis directly on the left knee in the first inning. He was lying on the ground in pain for a short while before he went to first and played the rest of the game. ... To make room for RHP Urbina, the club optioned LHP Casey Fossum to Double-A Trenton.
ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Angels - 27-28 on the road. Red Sox - 30-24 at home.
INJURIES: Angels - 1B Mo Vaughn (biceps), 60-day DL; SS Gary DiSarcina (shoulder), 60-day DL. Red Sox - RHP Juan Pena (elbow), 15-day DL; INF Craig Grebeck (foot), 15-day DL; INF John Valentin (heel), 15-day DL; C Jason Varitek (elbow), 15-day DL; RHP Pedro Martinez (shoulder), 15-day DL; RHP Frank Castillo (back), 15-day DL.
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Twins-Blue Jays Preview
.c The Associated Press
GAME: Minnesota Twins (60-47) at Toronto Blue Jays (50-58).
TIME: Thursday, 12:35 p.m. EDT.
Rick Reed hopes to show why the struggling Minnesota Twins got him from the New York Mets in exchange for budding outfielder Matt Lawton.
Reed, acquired late Monday night, makes his first start for the Twins as they try to snap a season-high five-game losing streak in the finale of a three-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays.
In their push to reach the postseason for the first time since 1991, the Twins opted to deal the 29-year-old Lawton, whose best years appear to be in front of him, for the 35-year-old Reed, who pitched in his second All-Star game in three years last month.
``We're looking to stabilize our pitching staff,'' Twins general manager Terry Ryan said. ``We've struggled since the (All-Star) break. We felt like Reed was the best available. If you're going to get pitching of his caliber, you have to give up something.''
Reed, who helped the Mets capture the NL wild card the last two years, is looking forward to bolstering the Twins' chances of earning a postseason berth.
``The last couple of years, I've been in a pennant race with the Mets,'' Reed said. ``I'm not going to tell you that I'm the guy that's going to put the Twins over the hump, but I'm going to try to do what I've been doing.''
Minnesota has gone a dismal 5-15 since the All-Star break, including Wednesday's 3-1 loss to the Blue Jays.
The Twins are 1 1/2 games behind first-place Cleveland in the AL Central.
The Blue Jays have won consecutive games since a four-game losing streak and are 44-21 all-time against Minnesota at SkyDome.
STANDINGS: Twins - 2nd place, 1 1/2 GB, AL Central. Blue Jays - 3rd place, 15 1/2 GB, AL East.
TWINS PROBABLE STARTER: Reed (0-0, 0.00 ERA). Reed was 8-6 with a 3.48 ERA in 20 starts for the Mets. The right-hander has struggled since starting the season 7-2. He lost three of his last four decisions, and had a 6.03 ERA in his last six starts. His only victory in that span was against Toronto on July 15. Reed is 1-1 with a 4.78 ERA in six career appearances, including five starts, against the Blue Jays.
BLUE JAYS PROBABLE STARTER: Chris Carpenter (7-8, 4.12 ERA). Carpenter has lost three straight starts and is 0-4 in six starts since June 26. The right-hander has allowed six or more earned runs in three of his last five outings. Carpenter is 2-2 with a 6.65 ERA in four career appearances, including three starts, against the Twins.
OFFENSIVE LEADERS: Twins - Doug Mientkiewicz, .329 avg.; Torii Hunter, 17 HRs; Corey Koskie, 66 RBIs, 63 runs; Cristian Guzman, 17 SBs. Blue Jays - Shannon Stewart, .317 avg., 70 runs; Carlos Delgado, 29 HRs, 68 RBIs; Jose Cruz Jr., 22 SBs.
SEASON SERIES: Blue Jays, 2-0.
STREAKS AND NOTES: Twins - Minnesota has won just two of seven series since the All-Star break. ... The Twins also lost five in a row from June 20-23, and have not lost six straight since a seven-game skid from July 2-8, 2000. Blue Jays - 2B Homer Bush, who missed 32 games with a strained right hamstring, was activated from the DL on Thursday. Toronto optioned 2B Cesar Izturis to Triple-A Syracuse to make room for Bush. ... The Blue Jays have not swept a three-game series at home against Minnesota since Aug. 28-30, 1998.
ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Twins - 26-28 on the road. Blue Jays - 25-31 at home.
INJURIES: Twins - SS Guzman (shoulder), 15-day DL; LHP Johan Santana (elbow), 15-day DL; INF Jay Canizaro (knee), 60-day DL. Blue Jays - RHP Steve Parris (shoulder), 15-day DL; LHP Mike Sirotka (shoulder), 60-day DL.
Marlins-Brewers Preview
.c The Associated Press
GAME: Florida Marlins (54-52) at Milwaukee Brewers (45-60).
TIME: Thursday, 2:05 p.m. EDT.
The Florida Marlins look to build on the momentum of a rare late-inning win as they try for a three-game sweep of the struggling Milwaukee Brewers.
Derrek Lee doubled to start a three-run rally in the ninth inning, then hit an RBI double with two outs in the 10th, lifting the Marlins over the Brewers 5-4 on Wednesday.
Florida had been 1-46 when trailing after eight innings. The win was Florida's first in extra innings since May 30. The Marlins had lost four straight extra-inning games.
``That was fun,'' Florida manager Tony Perez said. ``The ninth inning, that was fantastic.''
The Marlins have won two straight following a four-game losing streak. They've scored five runs in each of their last two games after amassing just 11 during their slide.
Losers of four straight, the Brewers are 3-16 since the All-Star break. They were 6-20 in July.
Milwaukee gets manager Davey Lopes back on Thursday. Lopes missed the first two games of the series after being suspended for his comments regarding San Diego's Rickey Henderson on Sunday.
STANDINGS: Marlins - 3rd place, 5 1/2 GB, NL East. Brewers - 4th place, 16 1/2 GB, NL Central.
MARLINS PROBABLE STARTER: Gary Knotts (0-0, 0.00 ERA). Knotts made his major league debut Saturday, pitching one scoreless inning of relief in a 5-0 loss to Cincinnati. Knotts was 4-4 with a 5.29 ERA in 15 starts for Triple-A Calgary, but was called up to replace injured righty Chuck Smith in the Marlins' rotation.
BREWERS PROBABLE STARTER: Allen Levrault (4-6, 5.08 ERA). Levrault has lost his last three and five of his last six starts. The 23-year-old right-hander has had trouble keeping the ball in the park this season, giving up 19 home runs in 79 2-3 innings. In two appearances against the Marlins, Levrault has pitched four scoreless innings without a decision.
OFFENSIVE LEADERS: Marlins - Cliff Floyd, .343 avg., 28 HRs, 89 RBIs and 91 runs; Luis Castillo, 30 SBs. Brewers - Ronnie Belliard, .281 avg. and 65 runs; Richie Sexson, 26 HRs and 71 RBIs; Devon White, 10 SBs.
SEASON SERIES: Marlins, 4-1.
STREAKS AND NOTES: Marlins - OF Ryan Thompson has opted for free agency after being designated for assignment. ... 1B Lee is 7-for-13 over his last three games. Brewers - 2B Belliard has not had an error since May 17, a span of 51 games. ... SS Mark Loretta is hitless in his last seven at-bats.
ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Marlins - 22-34 on the road. Brewers - 25-30 at home.
INJURIES: Marlins - RHP Alex Fernandez (shoulder), 60-day DL; 2B Pablo Ozuna (wrist), 60-day DL; 1B Nate Rolison (wrist), 15-day DL; OF Preston Wilson (thumb), 15-day DL; RHP Vladimir Nunez (quadriceps), 15-day DL; RHP Smith (elbow), 15-day DL. Brewers - RHP Everett Stull (shoulder), 60-day DL; LHP Valerio de los Santos (elbow), 60-day DL; RHP Paul Rigdon (elbow), 15-day DL; RHP Jeff D'Amico (elbow), 15-day DL; RHP Mark Leiter (biceps), 60-day DL; OF Jeffrey Hammonds (shoulder), 15-day DL; 1B Tyler Houston (foot), 15-day DL; RHP Mike Buddie (ankle), 15-day DL; OF Geoff Jenkins (thumb), 15-day DL.
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Mets-Astros Preview
.c The Associated Press
GAME: New York Mets (50-58) at Houston Astros (58-49).
TIME: Thursday, 8:05 p.m. EDT.
No stranger to hitters' ballparks, Pedro Astacio takes the mound at Enron Field for the first time with the Houston Astros as they conclude a three-game set with the New York Mets.
Astacio was traded to the Astros just before the trade deadline Tuesday, a deal that sent injured starter Scott Elarton to the Colorado Rockies.
Astacio is going from one hitter-friendly park to another, and to him, it's no big deal. The right-hander, who has allowed 21 home runs this season, was 6-13 with a 5.49 ERA overall prior to the trade. At Coors Field, where baseballs are known to travel a long distance due to the thin air, Astacio was 3-5 with a 7.12 ERA.
Enron Field is yielding 11.2 runs per game, which is the third-most in baseball behind Coors Field and The Ballpark in Arlington. Astacio says he's not intimidated and is looking forward to pitching in his new home.
``It's a beautiful ballpark,'' Astacio said. ``I've pitched one game there, but I like it. But I like every ballpark. You have to go and pitch and it doesn't matter about the park.''
Newcomer Matt Lawton hit a tiebreaking single in the 10th inning on Wednesday, leading the Mets to an 8-2 win to even the series. Lawton came over from Minnesota for starter Rick Reed on Monday.
New York has won four of five, while Houston has lost two of three and four of six.
STANDINGS: Mets - 4th place, 10 1/2 GB, NL East. Astros - 2nd place, 4 1/2 GB, NL Central.
METS PROBABLE STARTER: Steve Trachsel (5-10, 5.42 ERA). Despite his unimpressive numbers, Trachsel is currently the Mets' hottest pitcher, going 3-0 with a 1.17 ERA in his last three starts. He has held opponents to no earned runs in three of his past five outings. The right-hander allowed one unearned run and six hits in eight innings with no walks and six strikeouts Friday in a 6-1 win over Philadelphia. Trachsel worked six strong innings April 30 in an 8-2 victory over the Astros.
ASTROS PROBABLE STARTER: Astacio (6-13, 5.49 ERA). Astacio lost his last four starts while with Colorado and was 1-8 with a 6.87 ERA over his last 10 outings. The veteran right-hander gave up three runs and eight hits in six innings Friday in a 4-2 loss at Los Angeles. Astacio beat the Mets on May 8, and is 9-6 with a 4.10 ERA in 21 career appearances against them.
OFFENSIVE LEADERS: Mets - Mike Piazza, .292 avg., 26 HRs and 63 RBIs; Robin Ventura, 57 runs; Desi Relaford, 11 SBs. Astros - Moises Alou, .359 avg.; Jeff Bagwell and Lance Berkman, 28 HRs; Berkman, 92 RBIs and 83 runs; Julio Lugo, 10 SBs.
SEASON SERIES: Mets, 3-2.
STREAKS AND NOTES: Mets - 3B Ventura is 7-for-12 lifetime against RHP Astacio. ... 1B Todd Zeile is batting .357 (15-for-42) with two home runs and three doubles against Astacio. Astros - C Brad Ausmus is 7-for-15 with two home runs against RHP Trachsel. ... 3B Vinny Castilla is batting .375 (12-for-32) with four home runs and four doubles against Trachsel.
ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Mets - 22-33 on the road. Astros - 27-27 at home.
INJURIES: Mets - RHP Eric Cammack (elbow), 60-day DL; LHP Bobby Jones (shoulder), 15-day DL; LHP Tom Martin (shoulder), 15-day DL; INF Jorge Velandia (oblique), 15-day DL. Astros - RHP Doug Brocail (hamstring and elbow), 60-day DL; INF Bill Spiers (back), 60-day DL; RHP Kent Bottenfield (shoulder), 60-day DL.
AP-NY-08-02-01 0050EDT
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Rangers-Yankees Preview
.c The Associated Press
GAME: Texas Rangers (48-59) at New York Yankees (65-42).
TIME: Thursday, 1:05 p.m. EDT.
The New York Yankees hope to continue stretching their advantage in the AL East race as they shoot for their 10th victory in 11 games in the finale of a series with the Texas Rangers.
After having an eight-game winning streak snapped with a 6-2 loss in Tuesday's opener, the Yankees belted a season-high five homers en route to a wild 9-7 win on Wednesday.
Chuck Knoblauch, Paul O'Neill, Alfonso Soriano, Derek Jeter and Tino Martinez each went deep within the first three innings as the Yankees built an early 8-1 lead before holding on late behind closer Mariano Rivera's 200th career save.
New York has hit 25 homers in its last 10 games, and has used the hot stretch to build a formidable 4 1/2-game lead over second-place Boston in the East.
O'Neill, the reigning AL player of the week, has at least one extra-base hit in each of his last 10 games. He is the first Yankee to accomplish the feat since former New York first baseman Don Mattingly in 1987.
The Yankees have won 23 of their last 32 overall and own the second-best record in the majors behind the Seattle Mariners.
The Rangers had won eight of nine before Wednesday's setback.
STANDINGS: Rangers - 4th place, 29 GB, AL West. Yankees - 1st place, AL East.
RANGERS PROBABLE STARTER: Aaron Myette (0-1, 9.00 ERA). Myette, who has taken the rotation spot of injured left-hander Kenny Rogers, made his first start since May 23 on Saturday. The right-hander allowed two runs and five hits over six innings, but didn't receive a decision in the Rangers' 7-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Myette is making his first career appearance against the Yankees.
YANKEES PROBABLE STARTER: Mike Mussina (11-8, 3.53 ERA). The right-hander has been outstanding since June 16, winning six of his last seven decisions. Mussina has allowed two earned runs or fewer in four of his last five starts. He surrendered one run and four hits over eight strong innings in a 9-1 victory at Toronto on Friday. Mussina is 10-7 with a 3.39 ERA in 20 career starts against the Rangers.
OFFENSIVE LEADERS: Rangers - Alex Rodriguez, .317 avg., 29 HRs, 89 RBIs and 88 runs; Gabe Kapler, 12 SBs. Yankees - Jeter, .308 avg. and 76 runs; Martinez, 24 HRs and 82 RBIs; Knoblauch, 31 SBs.
SEASON SERIES: Tied, 1-1.
STREAKS AND NOTES: Rangers - The five homers off RHP Rob Bell on Wednesday tied the record for the most allowed by a Texas pitcher. RHPs Charlie Hough and Rick Helling also yielded five long balls in a single game for the Rangers.
ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Rangers - 22-31 on the road. Yankees - 35-20 at home.
INJURIES: Rangers - LHP Justin Thompson (shoulder), 60-day DL; OF Chad Curtis (hamstring), 15-day DL; OF Rusty Greer (hamstring and back), 15-day DL; C Mike Hubbard (thumb), 15-day DL; RHP Francisco Cordero (back), 15-day DL; RHP Tim Crabtree (shoulder), 60-day DL; RHP J.D. Smart (shoulder), 15-day DL; LHP Rogers (shoulder), 15-day DL; OF Ruben Sierra (groin), 15-day DL. Yankees - RHP Darrell Einertson (arm), 60-day DL; LHP Allen Watson (shoulder), 60-day DL; RHP Christian Parker (shoulder), 60-day DL; RHP Orlando Hernandez (toe), 15-day DL; OF Justice (groin), 15-day DL; C Posada (stomach flu), day-to-day.
AP-NY-08-01-01 2337EDT
Athletics-Indians Preview
.c The Associated Press
GAME: Oakland Athletics (57-50) at Cleveland Indians (61-45).
TIME: Thursday, 7:05 p.m. EDT.
Two of the best young left-handers in the American League square off as Mark Mulder and C.C. Sabathia take the hill in the rubber game of a series between the Oakland Athletics and Cleveland Indians at Jacobs Field.
Mulder concluded an outstanding July with his third shutout of the month and AL-leading fourth of the season, beating the Kansas City Royals 5-0 on Friday. The 23-year-old allowed just four hits while striking out seven to finish the month 4-1 with a 1.74 ERA.
Mulder has allowed more than three earned runs in just two of his last 10 starts, with Oakland winning the last six games he has started. Overall, the Oakland pitching staff has been superb of late. The starters finished July with five shutouts, threw seven games without issuing a walk and amassed a major league-low 2.81 ERA.
Sabathia also had a big July, establishing himself as one of the most consistent starters on the Cleveland staff. The 21-year-old southpaw finished July 3-0 with a 2.83 ERA. Sabathia has not allowed more than four hits in any one outing since July 7, a span of four starts. The Indians have won his last six starts.
The first-place Indians extended their lead in the AL Central to 1 1/2 games with a 6-5 win on Wednesday. Jim Thome hit his AL-leading 34th homer and Marty Cordova had a two run-single to help Cleveland snap a three-game losing streak.
The Indians activated Ellis Burks before Wednesday's game, hoping the outfielder would give an injury-depleted offense some punch. Burks, in his first game back since breaking his thumb on July 16, was 2-for-4 with a run scored.
The Indians also recalled right-handed pitcher Tim Drew from Triple-A Buffalo and optioned right-handers Jake Westbrook and Ryan Drese to the Bisons.
The A's, who will be playing the third of 13 consecutive games, failed to gain any ground in the wild card race with Wednesday's loss and remain 3 1/2 games behind the Boston Red Sox. Oakland will play seven of its next 11 against playoff contenders.
STANDINGS: Athletics - 2nd place, 20 GB, AL West. Indians - 1st place, AL Central.
ATHLETICS PROBABLE STARTER: Mulder (12-6, 3.38 ERA). The left-hander is among the league leaders in wins, ERA and innings (149 1-3). Mulder has a 4.50 ERA against the Indians, winning both of his career starts against them.
INDIANS PROBABLE STARTER: Sabathia (10-3, 4.18 ERA). Sabathia beat the Detroit Tigers 6-4 on Saturday, allowing three runs in six innings while striking out seven. This will be his first appearance against Oakland.
OFFENSIVE LEADERS: Athletics - Jason Giambi, .325 avg., 24 HRs and 77 RBIs; Miguel Tejada, 72 runs; Johnny Damon, 16 SBs. Indians - Roberto Alomar, .351 avg., 78 runs and 20 SBs; Thome, 34 HRs; Juan Gonzalez, 95 RBIs.
SEASON SERIES: Tied, 1-1.
STREAKS AND NOTES: Athletics - OF Damon led off the game Wednesday with a line-drive double for his 1,000th career hit. ... C Ramon Hernandez has thrown out five of the last 27 runners attempting to steal following a 13-for-26 streak. Indians - SS Omar Vizquel got his 234th stolen base with the Indians in the first inning Wednesday, passing Ray Chapman for fourth place on the team's career list. ... 1B Thome has 14 homers in his last 30 games. ... LHP Chuck Finley pitched six scoreless innings in a rehab start for Double-A Akron. Finley, on the DL since June 26 with spasms in his neck and left shoulder, allowed three hits and struck out eight.
ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Athletics - 28-26 on the road. Indians - 29-25 at home.
INJURIES: Athletics - RHP Chad Harville (shoulder), 60-day DL; OF Adam Piatt (viral meningitis), 15-day DL; OF Mario Valdez (hand), 60-day DL; OF Billy McMillon (shoulder), 15-day DL. Indians - LHP Cameron Cairncross (shoulder), 60-day DL; LHP Finley (neck and shoulder), 15-day DL; RHP Paul Shuey (elbow), 15-day DL; RF Gonzalez (hamstring), day-to-day.
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Braves-Cardinals Preview
.c The Associated Press
GAME: Atlanta Braves (60-47) at St. Louis Cardinals (54-51).
TIME: Thursday, 8:10 p.m. EDT.
One day after tying Harmon Killebrew for fifth place on the career home run list, Mark McGwire looks to continue his power surge as the St. Louis Cardinals try for a three-game sweep of the Atlanta Braves.
McGwire hit his 573rd homer on Wednesday in the Cardinals' 4-0 win over the Braves. The slugger, whose last nine hits have all been home runs, connected for his 19th of the season in the sixth inning. McGwire trails Frank Robinson by 13 for fourth place on the career list.
Outfielder Ray Lankford might rejoin the Cardinals after remaining on a leave for the second day. St. Louis general manager Walt Jocketty said Lankford ``probably'' will rejoin the team in the finale of the series. But both Jocketty and manager Tony La Russa have both told Lankford he'll be the fourth outfielder if and when he returns.
Jocketty wouldn't say whether the Cardinals had asked waivers on the 34-year-old Lankford, who is batting .235 with 15 home runs, 39 RBIs and 105 strikeouts in 264 at-bats.
St. Louis has won three of four.
Atlanta acquired shortstop Rey Sanchez from the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday for a couple of minor leaguers, and then promptly dumped injury-prone second baseman Quilvio Veras.
Sanchez went 2-for-4 in his Braves, losers of five of nine, debut Wednesday.
Veras missed the second half last season after tearing up a knee and was plagued by nagging ailments this season.
Atlanta has lost five of nine.
STANDINGS: Braves - 1st place, NL East. Cardinals - 3rd place, 8 GB, NL Central.
BRAVES PROBABLE STARTER: Tom Glavine (10-5, 4.04 ERA). Glavine is 4-0 with a 2.13 ERA in his last eight starts. The left-hander reached double figures in wins for the 13th consecutive season with a 10-5 victory at Montreal on Saturday, allowing three runs and five hits in seven innings. Glavine lost to the Cardinals on May 4, but is 14-5 with a 3.75 ERA in 29 career starts against them.
CARDINALS PROBABLE STARTER: Darryl Kile (10-7, 3.13 ERA). Kile had pitched at least six innings in 20 straight starts before giving up three runs and four hits in 5 1-3 innings Friday against the Chicago Cubs. He has limited opponents to three earned runs or fewer in each of his last eight outings, going 3-1 in that span. Kile is 6-11 with a 4.08 ERA in 26 career games against Atlanta.
OFFENSIVE LEADERS: Braves - Chipper Jones, .311 avg., 30 HRs, 77 RBIs and 79 runs; Rafael Furcal, 22 SBs. Cardinals - Placido Polanco, .329 avg.; Pujols, 25 HRs, 78 RBIs and 61 runs; Fernando Vina, 11 SBs.
SEASON SERIES: Cardinals, 3-2.
STREAKS AND NOTES: Braves - OF Andruw Jones is in a 2-for-24 slump. ... 1B Ken Caminiti has nine hits in his last 20 at-bats. Cardinals - SS Edgar Renteria is batting .423 (11-for-26) against Glavine. ... C Mike Matheny went 0-for-4 to extend his hitless string to 17 at-bats.
ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Braves - 32-22 on the road. Cardinals - 34-21 at home.
INJURIES: Braves - C Eddie Perez (shoulder), 60-day DL; OF George Lombard (foot), 15-day DL; LHP Odalis Perez (hand), 15-day DL; SS Furcal (shoulder), 60-day DL; RHP Kevin McGlinchy (shoulder), 60-day DL; RHP Scott Sobkowiak (arm), 60-day DL; 2B Kurt Abbott (abs), 60-day DL; RHP Joe Nelson (shoulder), 15-day DL; C Javy Lopez (back), day-to-day; OF Brian Jordan (knee and ankle), day-to-day. Cardinals - RHP Garrett Stephenson (elbow), 60-day DL; C Carlos Hernandez (back), 15-day DL; LHP Jeff Tabaka (elbow), 15-day DL; RHP Mike James (shoulder), 15-day DL; RHP Mike Timlin (knee), 15-day DL.
AP-NY-08-01-01 2310EDT
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Angels-Red Sox Preview
.c The Associated Press
GAME: Anaheim Angels (55-52) at Boston Red Sox (60-46).
TIME: Thursday, 7:05 p.m. EDT.
Bret Saberhagen looks to continue his impressive comeback as the Boston Red Sox try to avoid a three-game sweep at the hands of the visiting Anaheim Angels.
In his first appearance in nearly 22 months, Saberhagen allowed three hits in six innings Friday, lifting the Red Sox to a 9-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox.
Saberhagen missed the entire 2000 season after undergoing right rotator cuff surgery in November 1999 and another operation on that shoulder the following March.
With his fastball topping out at 93 mph, the two-time Cy Young Award winner struck out three without issuing a walk. The only run he allowed came on Royce Clayton's leadoff homer in the sixth.
``I couldn't have scripted it any better,'' he said. ``It's kind of like living in fairy-tale times.''
Troy Glaus and Tim Salmon homered to lead Anaheim to a 4-2 win Wednesday, dropping Boston a season-high 4 1/2 games behind the first-place New York Yankees in the AL East.
Reliever Ugueth Urbina, acquired from Montreal on Tuesday to bolster the Red Sox's bullpen, did not fare too well in his Boston debut, retiring just one batter, while allowing a walk and an RBI single by Garret Anderson in the eighth.
The Angels have won 11 of 12 road games and 12 of 16 overall to climb within 5 1/2 games of Boston for the AL wild card. Glaus has provided the biggest punch at the plate, as six of the third baseman's last 14 hits have been homers.
The Angels have won six of their last 16 at Fenway Park.
STANDINGS: Angels - 3rd place, 22 GB, AL West. Red Sox - 2nd place, 4 1/2 GB, AL East.
ANGELS PROBABLE STARTER: Pat Rapp (3-9, 4.62 ERA). The right-hander has pitched well in his last four starts, but he hasn't received a decision in three of those outings, allowing 11 runs and 24 hits over his last 21 2-3 innings (4.57 ERA). He surrendered eight hits and three earned runs in six innings but didn't figure in the decision in Anaheim's 6-4 win over Baltimore on Saturday.
RED SOX PROBABLE STARTER: Saberhagen (1-0, 1.50 ERA). The right-hander is 12-7 in his career against Anaheim, allowing just 40 earned runs in 163 1-3 innings. Saberhagen's 2.20 ERA against the Angels is his lowest against any AL opponent.
OFFENSIVE LEADERS: Angels - Adam Kennedy, .292 avg.; Glaus, 28 HRs and 69 runs; Anderson, 77 RBIs; Darin Erstad, 19 SBs. Red Sox - Manny Ramirez, .316 avg., 32 HRs, 96 RBIs and 73 runs; Carl Everett, 8 SBs.
SEASON SERIES: Angels, 2-0.
STREAKS AND NOTES: Angels - Anaheim improved to 47-0 when leading after eight innings. ... OF Anderson, who led the team with 22 RBIs in July, is one of only three players in the majors to play in every game this season. The others are Atlanta's Andruw Jones and Texas' Alex Rodriguez. Red Sox - SS Nomar Garciaparra was hit by LHP Scott Schoeneweis directly on the left knee in the first inning. He was lying on the ground in pain for a short while before he went to first and played the rest of the game. ... To make room for RHP Urbina, the club optioned LHP Casey Fossum to Double-A Trenton.
ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Angels - 27-28 on the road. Red Sox - 30-24 at home.
INJURIES: Angels - 1B Mo Vaughn (biceps), 60-day DL; SS Gary DiSarcina (shoulder), 60-day DL. Red Sox - RHP Juan Pena (elbow), 15-day DL; INF Craig Grebeck (foot), 15-day DL; INF John Valentin (heel), 15-day DL; C Jason Varitek (elbow), 15-day DL; RHP Pedro Martinez (shoulder), 15-day DL; RHP Frank Castillo (back), 15-day DL.
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Twins-Blue Jays Preview
.c The Associated Press
GAME: Minnesota Twins (60-47) at Toronto Blue Jays (50-58).
TIME: Thursday, 12:35 p.m. EDT.
Rick Reed hopes to show why the struggling Minnesota Twins got him from the New York Mets in exchange for budding outfielder Matt Lawton.
Reed, acquired late Monday night, makes his first start for the Twins as they try to snap a season-high five-game losing streak in the finale of a three-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays.
In their push to reach the postseason for the first time since 1991, the Twins opted to deal the 29-year-old Lawton, whose best years appear to be in front of him, for the 35-year-old Reed, who pitched in his second All-Star game in three years last month.
``We're looking to stabilize our pitching staff,'' Twins general manager Terry Ryan said. ``We've struggled since the (All-Star) break. We felt like Reed was the best available. If you're going to get pitching of his caliber, you have to give up something.''
Reed, who helped the Mets capture the NL wild card the last two years, is looking forward to bolstering the Twins' chances of earning a postseason berth.
``The last couple of years, I've been in a pennant race with the Mets,'' Reed said. ``I'm not going to tell you that I'm the guy that's going to put the Twins over the hump, but I'm going to try to do what I've been doing.''
Minnesota has gone a dismal 5-15 since the All-Star break, including Wednesday's 3-1 loss to the Blue Jays.
The Twins are 1 1/2 games behind first-place Cleveland in the AL Central.
The Blue Jays have won consecutive games since a four-game losing streak and are 44-21 all-time against Minnesota at SkyDome.
STANDINGS: Twins - 2nd place, 1 1/2 GB, AL Central. Blue Jays - 3rd place, 15 1/2 GB, AL East.
TWINS PROBABLE STARTER: Reed (0-0, 0.00 ERA). Reed was 8-6 with a 3.48 ERA in 20 starts for the Mets. The right-hander has struggled since starting the season 7-2. He lost three of his last four decisions, and had a 6.03 ERA in his last six starts. His only victory in that span was against Toronto on July 15. Reed is 1-1 with a 4.78 ERA in six career appearances, including five starts, against the Blue Jays.
BLUE JAYS PROBABLE STARTER: Chris Carpenter (7-8, 4.12 ERA). Carpenter has lost three straight starts and is 0-4 in six starts since June 26. The right-hander has allowed six or more earned runs in three of his last five outings. Carpenter is 2-2 with a 6.65 ERA in four career appearances, including three starts, against the Twins.
OFFENSIVE LEADERS: Twins - Doug Mientkiewicz, .329 avg.; Torii Hunter, 17 HRs; Corey Koskie, 66 RBIs, 63 runs; Cristian Guzman, 17 SBs. Blue Jays - Shannon Stewart, .317 avg., 70 runs; Carlos Delgado, 29 HRs, 68 RBIs; Jose Cruz Jr., 22 SBs.
SEASON SERIES: Blue Jays, 2-0.
STREAKS AND NOTES: Twins - Minnesota has won just two of seven series since the All-Star break. ... The Twins also lost five in a row from June 20-23, and have not lost six straight since a seven-game skid from July 2-8, 2000. Blue Jays - 2B Homer Bush, who missed 32 games with a strained right hamstring, was activated from the DL on Thursday. Toronto optioned 2B Cesar Izturis to Triple-A Syracuse to make room for Bush. ... The Blue Jays have not swept a three-game series at home against Minnesota since Aug. 28-30, 1998.
ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Twins - 26-28 on the road. Blue Jays - 25-31 at home.
INJURIES: Twins - SS Guzman (shoulder), 15-day DL; LHP Johan Santana (elbow), 15-day DL; INF Jay Canizaro (knee), 60-day DL. Blue Jays - RHP Steve Parris (shoulder), 15-day DL; LHP Mike Sirotka (shoulder), 60-day DL.
