Notes from Thursday's games
June 21, 2001
^Mariners-Athletics<
SEATTLE: OF Al Martin was in the lineup Thursday, but he's not likely to stay there despite his 3-for-3 performance. Seattle manager Lou Piniella has been using Stan Javier in left field against left-handed pitchers, and said he'll use Mark McLemore against right-handed pitching. McLemore was at second base on Thursday. ``I've got to find a way to keep Al in there from time to time,'' Piniella said. Martin, a left-handed hitter, improved to .206 in 44 games, while McLemore is hitting .294 overall, and .345 against righties. McLemore has also stolen 22 bases without being caught to rank fourth in the American League. ``Here in the middle of June, everyone has gotten a pretty good opportunity, and Mac is doing the job,'' Piniella said. ``It's hard to come to the park and not put his name in the lineup somewhere. He knows how to play. He's been invaluable.''
OAKLAND: OF Adam Piatt was a visitor to the Oakland clubhouse during the Seattle series. Piatt, who has been on the disabled list since June 6 with viral meningitis, has lost 15 pounds and much of his strength. He's been unable to eat because of severe headaches and has been sleeping a lot, including 23 hours during one 24-hour period. ``It's amazing how your body can just shut down,'' said Piatt. He was allowed to ride an exercise bike for 10 minutes on Wednesday, but he's expecting a long, slow rehab. ``I'm not going to go 100 percent,'' he said. ``I don't want any chance of a relapse.'' Piatt is not expected to return to action until after the All-Star break. ``You've got to walk before you can run,'' said A's manager Art Howe.
Yankees-Tigers
NEW YORK: Manager Joe Torre said he's pleased with rookie starters Adrian Hernandez, Ted Lilly and Randy Keisler despite their 0-2 record with a no-decision this week. ``The only thing I asked of those kids is what they've basically given us,'' Torre said. ... Torre said LHP Andy Pettitte will continue his rehabilitation by pitching with the Yankees before Friday's game at Tampa Bay and expects him to start July 1 at home against Tampa Bay. Pettitte went on the 15-day DL with a strained left groin on June 15. ... OF David Justice will rejoin the team this weekend, but Torre didn't know when he would return to the lineup. Justice also went on the 15-day DL with a strained left groin on June 15.
DETROIT: DH Dean Palmer said he will begin increasing the distance he throws before games from 60 to 90 feet on Friday. Palmer has been unable to play third base this year after having shoulder surgery. ``I could possibly be back at third after the All-Star break,'' Palmer said. ``I'd like to do that for the club because it would give us more options and flexibility.'' ... The Tigers enjoyed some laughs at SS Shane Halter's expense on Thursday. A piece of paper with pictures of Halter and Texas' Alex Rodriguez was posted in a couple places in the clubhouse with the words, ``A-Rod 252 million, H-Rod 420 K.'' Halter received such grief from his teammates after being quoted this week as saying he would be regarded as one of the best defensive shortstops if he played every day. A glove spray-painted gold was also put in his locker. ``That's pretty funny,'' Halter said.
Twins-Indians
MINNESOTA: Third-base coach Ron Gardenhire was getting some pats on the back Thursday after his son, Toby, a high school senior, was named all-Minnesota. ``He's very excited and I'm very proud,'' said Gardenhire, who named his son after former major leaguer Toby Harrah. ``I always liked the way he (Harrah) played the game.'' ... RHP Joe Mays was still lamenting his loss Wednesday night when he made one bad pitch, a fastball that Ellis Burks hit for a two-run homer. ``I was throwing good,'' Mays said. ``Sometimes you throw bad pitches and get outs with them. You can't let that stuff bother you. You have to keep your chin up.'' ... Matt Lawton entered Thursday night's game with a season-high, 12-game hitting streak. ... Cristian Guzman has hit safely in 11 in a row, one off his season-high. He's batting .457 (21-for-46) during the streak. ... The Twins won't play the Indians again until a three-game series on Aug. 7-9 at the Metrodome.
CLEVELAND: He's fighting them in the AL Central, but Indians manager Charlie Manuel has become a Twins fan. ``They play hard,'' Manuel said. ``They've got energy and they have some speed. Are they for real? Yes.'' ... The Indians agreed to terms with RHP J.D. Martin, the 35th overall pick in this year's draft, and signed Martin's older brother, Kevin, a non-drafted free agent. J.D. Martin went 9-1 with a 0.24 ERA as a senior at Burroughs (H.S.) in Ridgecrest, Calif. Martin was first spotted by scout Jason Smith during an All-Star tournament last December. ``He had a major league curveball and he had secondary pitches that were right there,'' Smith said. ``I knew he was something special.'' ... C Eddie Taubensee, on the DL with a viral infection, was hoping to soon have blood test results to find out why he has been feeling ill lately. ``He still has some jaundice,'' said Manuel, who added Taubensee could be out longer than expected. ... RHP Paul Shuey, on the DL with a strained elbow ligament, said he's encouraged by his progress and will begin throwing on Friday in Kansas City. He expects to be activated on June 29 when the Indians return from a six-game road trip.
White Sox-Orioles
CHICAGO: C Sandy Alomar missed his third consecutive game with an irritated left knee, is expected to play Friday. ... 3B Herbert Perry, out with a sore left Achilles tendon, is eligible to come off the disabled list Saturday. White Sox manager Jerry Manuel wasn't sure whether rookie 3B Joe Crede or C Mark Johnson would be sent to Triple-A Charlotte to make room for Perry. ... LHP Ken Vining had not pitched since June 15 after making six relief appearances following his recall from Charlotte on May 21. ... DH Harold Baines, on the disabled list with a left hip flexor, was reunited with an old friend before Thursday's game. Clubhouse attendants wheeled in a leather recliner to replace the folding chair in front of Baines' locker. Baines, 42, played for Baltimore from 1993-95 and 1997-2000.
BALTIMORE: Ryan Kohlmeier, who lost his job as the closer several weeks ago and continued to struggle with his control, was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Thursday. The Orioles filled the void in the bullpen by recalling reliever Chad Paronto, who played in 16 games with Baltimore before being optioned on June 1. ... 2B Jerry Hairston and OF Brady Anderson were back in the starting lineup. Hairston was drowsy from taking too much medication for a cold and Anderson had a sore right shoulder. ... RHP Jason Johnson gave up four runs in the first two innings to the White Sox, surpassing the amount of runs he allowed in any home game this season.
Red Sox-Devil Rays
BOSTON: Manny Ramirez started in left field for the second straight game and ninth time overall this season. ... INF Lou Merloni (left elbow bruise), who was activated from the 15-day disabled list before the game, still had a ball mark on his upper arm from being hit by a pitch while playing for Triple-A Pawtucket Wednesday night. ... Merloni started at shortstop as manager Jimy Williams rested Mike Lansing. ... Tampa Bay's starting lineup Thursday night had struck out 58 times in 124 previous at-bats against RHP Pedro Martinez. ... Starting Monday, the Red Sox and Devil Rays will play four games at Fenway Park. ... Minor league LHP Rafael Roque and OF/DH Israel Alcantara were named starters for the International League team in the Triple-A All-Star game.
TAMPA BAY: RHP Victor Zambrano was selected from Triple-A Durham and RHP Jesus Colome was recalled from the minor league affiliate in an effort to help a struggling bullpen. RHP Rusty Meacham was designated for assignment and LHP Jeff Wallace was optioned to Durham. ``Their roles will be established by their consistency. Right now, they're just pitchers,'' manager Hal McRae said of how he expects to use Zambrano and Colome ... Fred McGriff is the AL's top hitter since May 1. He hit .370 in May and is trying to put together the two best back-to-back months in his 15-year career ... Tampa Bay's 21 wins through 70 games equaled the 1998 Florida Marlins for the fewest by a major league team since the Detroit Tigers had 18 at that point in the season in 1996.
Angels-Rangers
ANAHEIM: After leaving the bases loaded three times Wednesday night, the Angels were hitting .267 (16-for-60) in that situation. Tim Salmon, who struck out with the bases loaded in the seventh Wednesday, was 0-for-6. ... RHP Al Levine, who pitched for Texas in 1998, has a career ERA of 0.66 (two earnedruns in 27 1-3 innings) against his former team.
TEXAS: The 10-year anniversary of C Ivan Rodriguez's major league debut was Wednesday. Even though the 29-year-old was the 1999 AL MVP, appears a lock to be elected to his record-tying ninth straight All-Star Game start this year and has nine straight Gold Gloves, Rodriguez can't pick a highlight. ``Every game that I play is very special,'' Rodriguez said Thursday. ``It seems like yesterday. It's been 10 years already but I feel like this is my first year physically. I'm going to continue to play as long as I'm healthy.'' ... The Rangers signed undrafted free agent Jason Dill, a first baseman/outfielder from the University of Florida, and assigned him to Class A Savannah.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Marlins-Braves
FLORIDA: The Florida Marlins love to play when the sun is out. They improved to 12-6 in day games, a .667 winning percentage surpassed only by the Seattle Mariners. ... OF Cliff Floyd has hit safely in 25 of his last 26 games, hitting .374 with six homers and 19 RBIs during that span. ... Kevin Millar went 1-for-2 to extend his hitting streak to eight games. He has started 14 of Florida's last 15 games, playing first base, right field, left field and designated hitter. ... Florida has won two of three series against the Braves. The Marlins have two more chances in September to win three series vs. Atlantafor the first time in team history.
ATLANTA: SS Rafael Furcal said he plans to return to the lineup Friday against the New York Mets. Furcal missed his sixth straight game with a sore left shoulder, which he hurt last Friday making a headfirst slide into first base. ... RHP Kevin Millwood, on the DL since May 7 with a cyst in his right shoulder, had been throwing every other day off the mound. He hopes to return to the rotation after the All-Star break. ``It's just a matter of building up strength in it,'' Millwood said. ... C Javy Lopez didn't play Thursday after hurting his lower back taking extra batting practice the previous day. Lopez hopes to return Friday. ... Greg Maddux is tied with Jack Quinn for 40th place on the career wins list with 240. Vic Willis is next with 249.
Cubs-Cardinals
CHICAGO: The Cubs have been dangling CF Gary Matthews Jr. as trade bait for more offense. ``Talking about it is one thing, but you have to be able to do it, pull it off,'' manager Don Baylor said. ``There are probably talks going on, but not until it's done can you call it a deal.'' ... C Robert Machado picked off Jim Edmonds at first base in his Cubs debut Wednesday. ... C Todd Hundley is in a mental as well as physical rut. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with a lower back strain, and is batting .179 with four homers and 19 RBIs in 46 games. ... 1B Matt Stairs returned to the lineup for the series finale after missing three games with a ribcage injury. He walked three times and struck out before being removed for a pinch runner in the seventh.
ST. LOUIS: Albert Pujols started in RF for the seventh straight game Thursday. He figures he might be there instead of 3B, his best position, until J.D. Drew returns from a broken hand. Drew will be out 4-to-6 weeks after hit by a pitch on Sunday. ``I don't have any problem with it,'' said Pujols, who hasn't started at 3B since June 13. ``I just want to be out there and help my team.'' ... The Cardinals were encouraged about LHP Rick Ankiel's strong four-inning outing for their rookie league affiliate in Johnson City, Tenn. Ankiel allowed one hit and had no wild pitches. ``It's great to hear it,'' La Russa said. ``You get the feeling he's having good vibes when he goes out there.'' ... Edgar Renteria was 1-for-14 in the series. ... RHP Andy Benes, who had totaled six walks in his previous six starts, walked five in five innings Thursday.
Giants-Padres
SAN FRANCISCO: Two of Babe Ruth's records have been broken at Qualcomm Stadium this year. Bonds broke Ruth's record for the quickest 38th homer Wednesday night. On April 25th, San Diego's Rickey Henderson broke Ruth's career walks record.
SAN DIEGO: The Padres activated RH reliever Rudy Seanez from the 15-day disabled list and optioned OF Mike Colangelo to Triple-A Portland.
Phillies-Pirates
PHILADELPHIA: Beginning Friday, the Phillies play 14 consecutive games against the teams chasing them in the NL East, the Braves and Marlins. They are 5-0 against Florida and 4-1 against Atlanta. ... Bobby Abreu is the only Phillies player to appear in all 70 games. ... With Robert Person serving a suspension, the Phillies are expected to call up Brandon Duckworth or Nelson Figueroa from Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes-Barre to start Tuesday against the Braves. ... Person, who started Thursday against Pittsburgh, was suspended for six games for hitting Reggie Sanders of Arizona with a pitch May 13. Person appealed the suspension on Thursday.
PITTSBURGH: 2B Pat Meares will miss at least two games after spraining his left ankle tumbling over right fielder Derek Bell as they chased a fly ball Wednesday. Meares isn't expected to return until at least Saturday. ... The Pirates play Montreal on Friday for the first time in exactly a year. The teams last met on June 22, 2000 in Montreal. The Expos haven't played in Pittsburgh since April 11-13, 2000. ... Former Olympic wrestling champion Kurt Angle, wearing a No. 96 Pirates jersey, threw out the first pitch Thursday night. The pitch was caught by Jason Kendall, who usually skips such ceremonial pitches but is a pro wrestling fan. ... Angle also took a few cuts during batting practice -- and, unlike pro wrestling, they were actual cuts. ... Pirates attendance is up nearly 300,000 in their first season in PNC Park. They expect to break the 1 million mark this weekend and are on pace to draw 2.5 million to 2.6 million, or about a half million more than the club record. ... Chad Hermansen, once considered the Pirates' top power prospect, has three homers at Triple-A Nashville -- two this week. He hit 32 homers at Nashville in 1999.
Expos-Mets
MONTREAL: Jose Vidro extended his current hitting streak to a season-best eight game with a first-inning single. ... Montreal makes its first appearance at Pittsburgh's PNC. Park Friday opening three-game weekend series against Pirates. ... RHP Troy Mattes scheduled to make his second major league start Sunday in the finale of that Pirates series. ... Mattes retired first 14 Mets he faced Tuesday night, becoming only the second pitcher since 1976 to retire that many hitters without a hit in his big league debut. .. Seattle's Ken Cloude retired first 16 in his 1997 Mariners debut against the Chicago White Sox.
NEW YORK: Alex Escobar, recalled from Triple-A Norfolk when Tsuyoshi Shinjo went on the disabled list Tuesday, started in center field and batted sixth. Escobar started six games for the Mets (five in center) in May before being sent out after hitting .190 (4x21) with no homers and three RBIs. ... Timo Perez leadoff homer Wednesday night was the Mets first since last July 30 when Benny Agbayani lead off with one at St. Louis. ... CF Jay Payton was washed out of planned batting practice Wednesday but will head to Port St. Lucie (Fla.) to DH for a game at Class A and then go on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Norfolk. ... Perhaps because of the sensation created by their six-run rally in the eighth inning against the Yankees, the Mets now have two more ESPN Sunday Night dates: July 1 at Atlanta and July 8 at the Yankees, both of which had been scheduled as day games. ... Mets have now won six games in which they trailed after seven innings, the best in the majors in that category (Minnesota is second with five).
Reds-Astros
HOUSTON (AP) -- Rookie pitcher Roy Oswalt, who took a line drive off his forearm and sustained a deep bruise Tuesday night, went through a few minutes of light tossing Thursday and was still very sore. Oswalt said the swelling had gone down but the concern is whether the swelling would move up to his wrist. A decision on whether he will make his Saturday start probably won't be made before Friday, but Oswalt said it was unlikely he would be able to make it ... Craig Biggio is just five games from passing Jose Cruz's club record for most games played of 1,870. Cruz set it from 1975-87.
REDS: CF Ken Griffey Jr., who started his sixth game Thursday since coming off the disabled list, said the torn left hamstring that has bothered him all year still is a problem. ``I'm not 100 per cent,'' Griffey said. ``I take an hour or so of therapy every day. I'm trying to make it stronger. I don't know when it will be 100 percent.'' ... Jason LaRue has one sacrifice bunt and one grand slam in his career and both came against Houston at Enron Field May 18.
Diamondbacks-Rockies
ARIZONA: The Diamondbacks arrived at their hotel in Denver at 4:15 a.m after a late game in Los Angeles. ... OF Greg Colbrunn, sidelined with a bruised left knee, was eligible to the disabled list Thursday, but his return was pushed back after a workout in Denver. ``We ran him on the field today and the only thing he had trouble doing was stopping'' manager Bob Brenly said. ``We could use him now to pinch-hitting, pinch-running, but defensively, that's another story.'' Colbrunn will work out again Friday before the Diamondbacks decide whether to activate him. ... LHP Brian Anderson, on the DL with a groin strain, is scheduled to throw batting practice Friday followed by a short side session Sunday. ``I think one minor league rehab start should be enough,'' Brenly said. ``Unless he has some kind of a setback Friday or Sunday, one should be plenty.'' ... Because of injuries, Arizona has used several players called up from Triple-A Tucson, including closer Bret Prinz, who has allowed just two earned runs in 19 innings. ``I wouldn't know if you would call them prospects, but they certainly weren't suspects. They are somewhere in the middle ground,'' Brenly said.
COLORADO: OF Larry Walker, who has more hits, homers and RBIs than any Canadian in history, said he would welcome a chance to play for the Canadian Olympic team if asked. ``I'd love that,'' he said. ``You better believe that if I could walk and make it through games in the future, I'd love that. ... Walker would be 38 when the Summer Olympics are held in 2004. ... LHP Denny Neagle is scheduled to start Sunday's series finale. Neagle has missed two starts because of a strained hamstring. ... The Rockies received good news Thursday when OF Todd Hollandsworth reported little pain in his right shin. Hollandsworth was hitting .368 when he was placed on the disabled list May 12 after hitting a ball off his shin. He hopes to return in the second week of July. ``This probably is the most progress he's made since he's been injured,'' manager Buddy Bell said. ``The pain has subsided. Staying off it really helped.''
June 21, 2001
^Mariners-Athletics<
SEATTLE: OF Al Martin was in the lineup Thursday, but he's not likely to stay there despite his 3-for-3 performance. Seattle manager Lou Piniella has been using Stan Javier in left field against left-handed pitchers, and said he'll use Mark McLemore against right-handed pitching. McLemore was at second base on Thursday. ``I've got to find a way to keep Al in there from time to time,'' Piniella said. Martin, a left-handed hitter, improved to .206 in 44 games, while McLemore is hitting .294 overall, and .345 against righties. McLemore has also stolen 22 bases without being caught to rank fourth in the American League. ``Here in the middle of June, everyone has gotten a pretty good opportunity, and Mac is doing the job,'' Piniella said. ``It's hard to come to the park and not put his name in the lineup somewhere. He knows how to play. He's been invaluable.''
OAKLAND: OF Adam Piatt was a visitor to the Oakland clubhouse during the Seattle series. Piatt, who has been on the disabled list since June 6 with viral meningitis, has lost 15 pounds and much of his strength. He's been unable to eat because of severe headaches and has been sleeping a lot, including 23 hours during one 24-hour period. ``It's amazing how your body can just shut down,'' said Piatt. He was allowed to ride an exercise bike for 10 minutes on Wednesday, but he's expecting a long, slow rehab. ``I'm not going to go 100 percent,'' he said. ``I don't want any chance of a relapse.'' Piatt is not expected to return to action until after the All-Star break. ``You've got to walk before you can run,'' said A's manager Art Howe.
Yankees-Tigers
NEW YORK: Manager Joe Torre said he's pleased with rookie starters Adrian Hernandez, Ted Lilly and Randy Keisler despite their 0-2 record with a no-decision this week. ``The only thing I asked of those kids is what they've basically given us,'' Torre said. ... Torre said LHP Andy Pettitte will continue his rehabilitation by pitching with the Yankees before Friday's game at Tampa Bay and expects him to start July 1 at home against Tampa Bay. Pettitte went on the 15-day DL with a strained left groin on June 15. ... OF David Justice will rejoin the team this weekend, but Torre didn't know when he would return to the lineup. Justice also went on the 15-day DL with a strained left groin on June 15.
DETROIT: DH Dean Palmer said he will begin increasing the distance he throws before games from 60 to 90 feet on Friday. Palmer has been unable to play third base this year after having shoulder surgery. ``I could possibly be back at third after the All-Star break,'' Palmer said. ``I'd like to do that for the club because it would give us more options and flexibility.'' ... The Tigers enjoyed some laughs at SS Shane Halter's expense on Thursday. A piece of paper with pictures of Halter and Texas' Alex Rodriguez was posted in a couple places in the clubhouse with the words, ``A-Rod 252 million, H-Rod 420 K.'' Halter received such grief from his teammates after being quoted this week as saying he would be regarded as one of the best defensive shortstops if he played every day. A glove spray-painted gold was also put in his locker. ``That's pretty funny,'' Halter said.
Twins-Indians
MINNESOTA: Third-base coach Ron Gardenhire was getting some pats on the back Thursday after his son, Toby, a high school senior, was named all-Minnesota. ``He's very excited and I'm very proud,'' said Gardenhire, who named his son after former major leaguer Toby Harrah. ``I always liked the way he (Harrah) played the game.'' ... RHP Joe Mays was still lamenting his loss Wednesday night when he made one bad pitch, a fastball that Ellis Burks hit for a two-run homer. ``I was throwing good,'' Mays said. ``Sometimes you throw bad pitches and get outs with them. You can't let that stuff bother you. You have to keep your chin up.'' ... Matt Lawton entered Thursday night's game with a season-high, 12-game hitting streak. ... Cristian Guzman has hit safely in 11 in a row, one off his season-high. He's batting .457 (21-for-46) during the streak. ... The Twins won't play the Indians again until a three-game series on Aug. 7-9 at the Metrodome.
CLEVELAND: He's fighting them in the AL Central, but Indians manager Charlie Manuel has become a Twins fan. ``They play hard,'' Manuel said. ``They've got energy and they have some speed. Are they for real? Yes.'' ... The Indians agreed to terms with RHP J.D. Martin, the 35th overall pick in this year's draft, and signed Martin's older brother, Kevin, a non-drafted free agent. J.D. Martin went 9-1 with a 0.24 ERA as a senior at Burroughs (H.S.) in Ridgecrest, Calif. Martin was first spotted by scout Jason Smith during an All-Star tournament last December. ``He had a major league curveball and he had secondary pitches that were right there,'' Smith said. ``I knew he was something special.'' ... C Eddie Taubensee, on the DL with a viral infection, was hoping to soon have blood test results to find out why he has been feeling ill lately. ``He still has some jaundice,'' said Manuel, who added Taubensee could be out longer than expected. ... RHP Paul Shuey, on the DL with a strained elbow ligament, said he's encouraged by his progress and will begin throwing on Friday in Kansas City. He expects to be activated on June 29 when the Indians return from a six-game road trip.
White Sox-Orioles
CHICAGO: C Sandy Alomar missed his third consecutive game with an irritated left knee, is expected to play Friday. ... 3B Herbert Perry, out with a sore left Achilles tendon, is eligible to come off the disabled list Saturday. White Sox manager Jerry Manuel wasn't sure whether rookie 3B Joe Crede or C Mark Johnson would be sent to Triple-A Charlotte to make room for Perry. ... LHP Ken Vining had not pitched since June 15 after making six relief appearances following his recall from Charlotte on May 21. ... DH Harold Baines, on the disabled list with a left hip flexor, was reunited with an old friend before Thursday's game. Clubhouse attendants wheeled in a leather recliner to replace the folding chair in front of Baines' locker. Baines, 42, played for Baltimore from 1993-95 and 1997-2000.
BALTIMORE: Ryan Kohlmeier, who lost his job as the closer several weeks ago and continued to struggle with his control, was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Thursday. The Orioles filled the void in the bullpen by recalling reliever Chad Paronto, who played in 16 games with Baltimore before being optioned on June 1. ... 2B Jerry Hairston and OF Brady Anderson were back in the starting lineup. Hairston was drowsy from taking too much medication for a cold and Anderson had a sore right shoulder. ... RHP Jason Johnson gave up four runs in the first two innings to the White Sox, surpassing the amount of runs he allowed in any home game this season.
Red Sox-Devil Rays
BOSTON: Manny Ramirez started in left field for the second straight game and ninth time overall this season. ... INF Lou Merloni (left elbow bruise), who was activated from the 15-day disabled list before the game, still had a ball mark on his upper arm from being hit by a pitch while playing for Triple-A Pawtucket Wednesday night. ... Merloni started at shortstop as manager Jimy Williams rested Mike Lansing. ... Tampa Bay's starting lineup Thursday night had struck out 58 times in 124 previous at-bats against RHP Pedro Martinez. ... Starting Monday, the Red Sox and Devil Rays will play four games at Fenway Park. ... Minor league LHP Rafael Roque and OF/DH Israel Alcantara were named starters for the International League team in the Triple-A All-Star game.
TAMPA BAY: RHP Victor Zambrano was selected from Triple-A Durham and RHP Jesus Colome was recalled from the minor league affiliate in an effort to help a struggling bullpen. RHP Rusty Meacham was designated for assignment and LHP Jeff Wallace was optioned to Durham. ``Their roles will be established by their consistency. Right now, they're just pitchers,'' manager Hal McRae said of how he expects to use Zambrano and Colome ... Fred McGriff is the AL's top hitter since May 1. He hit .370 in May and is trying to put together the two best back-to-back months in his 15-year career ... Tampa Bay's 21 wins through 70 games equaled the 1998 Florida Marlins for the fewest by a major league team since the Detroit Tigers had 18 at that point in the season in 1996.
Angels-Rangers
ANAHEIM: After leaving the bases loaded three times Wednesday night, the Angels were hitting .267 (16-for-60) in that situation. Tim Salmon, who struck out with the bases loaded in the seventh Wednesday, was 0-for-6. ... RHP Al Levine, who pitched for Texas in 1998, has a career ERA of 0.66 (two earnedruns in 27 1-3 innings) against his former team.
TEXAS: The 10-year anniversary of C Ivan Rodriguez's major league debut was Wednesday. Even though the 29-year-old was the 1999 AL MVP, appears a lock to be elected to his record-tying ninth straight All-Star Game start this year and has nine straight Gold Gloves, Rodriguez can't pick a highlight. ``Every game that I play is very special,'' Rodriguez said Thursday. ``It seems like yesterday. It's been 10 years already but I feel like this is my first year physically. I'm going to continue to play as long as I'm healthy.'' ... The Rangers signed undrafted free agent Jason Dill, a first baseman/outfielder from the University of Florida, and assigned him to Class A Savannah.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Marlins-Braves
FLORIDA: The Florida Marlins love to play when the sun is out. They improved to 12-6 in day games, a .667 winning percentage surpassed only by the Seattle Mariners. ... OF Cliff Floyd has hit safely in 25 of his last 26 games, hitting .374 with six homers and 19 RBIs during that span. ... Kevin Millar went 1-for-2 to extend his hitting streak to eight games. He has started 14 of Florida's last 15 games, playing first base, right field, left field and designated hitter. ... Florida has won two of three series against the Braves. The Marlins have two more chances in September to win three series vs. Atlantafor the first time in team history.
ATLANTA: SS Rafael Furcal said he plans to return to the lineup Friday against the New York Mets. Furcal missed his sixth straight game with a sore left shoulder, which he hurt last Friday making a headfirst slide into first base. ... RHP Kevin Millwood, on the DL since May 7 with a cyst in his right shoulder, had been throwing every other day off the mound. He hopes to return to the rotation after the All-Star break. ``It's just a matter of building up strength in it,'' Millwood said. ... C Javy Lopez didn't play Thursday after hurting his lower back taking extra batting practice the previous day. Lopez hopes to return Friday. ... Greg Maddux is tied with Jack Quinn for 40th place on the career wins list with 240. Vic Willis is next with 249.
Cubs-Cardinals
CHICAGO: The Cubs have been dangling CF Gary Matthews Jr. as trade bait for more offense. ``Talking about it is one thing, but you have to be able to do it, pull it off,'' manager Don Baylor said. ``There are probably talks going on, but not until it's done can you call it a deal.'' ... C Robert Machado picked off Jim Edmonds at first base in his Cubs debut Wednesday. ... C Todd Hundley is in a mental as well as physical rut. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with a lower back strain, and is batting .179 with four homers and 19 RBIs in 46 games. ... 1B Matt Stairs returned to the lineup for the series finale after missing three games with a ribcage injury. He walked three times and struck out before being removed for a pinch runner in the seventh.
ST. LOUIS: Albert Pujols started in RF for the seventh straight game Thursday. He figures he might be there instead of 3B, his best position, until J.D. Drew returns from a broken hand. Drew will be out 4-to-6 weeks after hit by a pitch on Sunday. ``I don't have any problem with it,'' said Pujols, who hasn't started at 3B since June 13. ``I just want to be out there and help my team.'' ... The Cardinals were encouraged about LHP Rick Ankiel's strong four-inning outing for their rookie league affiliate in Johnson City, Tenn. Ankiel allowed one hit and had no wild pitches. ``It's great to hear it,'' La Russa said. ``You get the feeling he's having good vibes when he goes out there.'' ... Edgar Renteria was 1-for-14 in the series. ... RHP Andy Benes, who had totaled six walks in his previous six starts, walked five in five innings Thursday.
Giants-Padres
SAN FRANCISCO: Two of Babe Ruth's records have been broken at Qualcomm Stadium this year. Bonds broke Ruth's record for the quickest 38th homer Wednesday night. On April 25th, San Diego's Rickey Henderson broke Ruth's career walks record.
SAN DIEGO: The Padres activated RH reliever Rudy Seanez from the 15-day disabled list and optioned OF Mike Colangelo to Triple-A Portland.
Phillies-Pirates
PHILADELPHIA: Beginning Friday, the Phillies play 14 consecutive games against the teams chasing them in the NL East, the Braves and Marlins. They are 5-0 against Florida and 4-1 against Atlanta. ... Bobby Abreu is the only Phillies player to appear in all 70 games. ... With Robert Person serving a suspension, the Phillies are expected to call up Brandon Duckworth or Nelson Figueroa from Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes-Barre to start Tuesday against the Braves. ... Person, who started Thursday against Pittsburgh, was suspended for six games for hitting Reggie Sanders of Arizona with a pitch May 13. Person appealed the suspension on Thursday.
PITTSBURGH: 2B Pat Meares will miss at least two games after spraining his left ankle tumbling over right fielder Derek Bell as they chased a fly ball Wednesday. Meares isn't expected to return until at least Saturday. ... The Pirates play Montreal on Friday for the first time in exactly a year. The teams last met on June 22, 2000 in Montreal. The Expos haven't played in Pittsburgh since April 11-13, 2000. ... Former Olympic wrestling champion Kurt Angle, wearing a No. 96 Pirates jersey, threw out the first pitch Thursday night. The pitch was caught by Jason Kendall, who usually skips such ceremonial pitches but is a pro wrestling fan. ... Angle also took a few cuts during batting practice -- and, unlike pro wrestling, they were actual cuts. ... Pirates attendance is up nearly 300,000 in their first season in PNC Park. They expect to break the 1 million mark this weekend and are on pace to draw 2.5 million to 2.6 million, or about a half million more than the club record. ... Chad Hermansen, once considered the Pirates' top power prospect, has three homers at Triple-A Nashville -- two this week. He hit 32 homers at Nashville in 1999.
Expos-Mets
MONTREAL: Jose Vidro extended his current hitting streak to a season-best eight game with a first-inning single. ... Montreal makes its first appearance at Pittsburgh's PNC. Park Friday opening three-game weekend series against Pirates. ... RHP Troy Mattes scheduled to make his second major league start Sunday in the finale of that Pirates series. ... Mattes retired first 14 Mets he faced Tuesday night, becoming only the second pitcher since 1976 to retire that many hitters without a hit in his big league debut. .. Seattle's Ken Cloude retired first 16 in his 1997 Mariners debut against the Chicago White Sox.
NEW YORK: Alex Escobar, recalled from Triple-A Norfolk when Tsuyoshi Shinjo went on the disabled list Tuesday, started in center field and batted sixth. Escobar started six games for the Mets (five in center) in May before being sent out after hitting .190 (4x21) with no homers and three RBIs. ... Timo Perez leadoff homer Wednesday night was the Mets first since last July 30 when Benny Agbayani lead off with one at St. Louis. ... CF Jay Payton was washed out of planned batting practice Wednesday but will head to Port St. Lucie (Fla.) to DH for a game at Class A and then go on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Norfolk. ... Perhaps because of the sensation created by their six-run rally in the eighth inning against the Yankees, the Mets now have two more ESPN Sunday Night dates: July 1 at Atlanta and July 8 at the Yankees, both of which had been scheduled as day games. ... Mets have now won six games in which they trailed after seven innings, the best in the majors in that category (Minnesota is second with five).
Reds-Astros
HOUSTON (AP) -- Rookie pitcher Roy Oswalt, who took a line drive off his forearm and sustained a deep bruise Tuesday night, went through a few minutes of light tossing Thursday and was still very sore. Oswalt said the swelling had gone down but the concern is whether the swelling would move up to his wrist. A decision on whether he will make his Saturday start probably won't be made before Friday, but Oswalt said it was unlikely he would be able to make it ... Craig Biggio is just five games from passing Jose Cruz's club record for most games played of 1,870. Cruz set it from 1975-87.
REDS: CF Ken Griffey Jr., who started his sixth game Thursday since coming off the disabled list, said the torn left hamstring that has bothered him all year still is a problem. ``I'm not 100 per cent,'' Griffey said. ``I take an hour or so of therapy every day. I'm trying to make it stronger. I don't know when it will be 100 percent.'' ... Jason LaRue has one sacrifice bunt and one grand slam in his career and both came against Houston at Enron Field May 18.
Diamondbacks-Rockies
ARIZONA: The Diamondbacks arrived at their hotel in Denver at 4:15 a.m after a late game in Los Angeles. ... OF Greg Colbrunn, sidelined with a bruised left knee, was eligible to the disabled list Thursday, but his return was pushed back after a workout in Denver. ``We ran him on the field today and the only thing he had trouble doing was stopping'' manager Bob Brenly said. ``We could use him now to pinch-hitting, pinch-running, but defensively, that's another story.'' Colbrunn will work out again Friday before the Diamondbacks decide whether to activate him. ... LHP Brian Anderson, on the DL with a groin strain, is scheduled to throw batting practice Friday followed by a short side session Sunday. ``I think one minor league rehab start should be enough,'' Brenly said. ``Unless he has some kind of a setback Friday or Sunday, one should be plenty.'' ... Because of injuries, Arizona has used several players called up from Triple-A Tucson, including closer Bret Prinz, who has allowed just two earned runs in 19 innings. ``I wouldn't know if you would call them prospects, but they certainly weren't suspects. They are somewhere in the middle ground,'' Brenly said.
COLORADO: OF Larry Walker, who has more hits, homers and RBIs than any Canadian in history, said he would welcome a chance to play for the Canadian Olympic team if asked. ``I'd love that,'' he said. ``You better believe that if I could walk and make it through games in the future, I'd love that. ... Walker would be 38 when the Summer Olympics are held in 2004. ... LHP Denny Neagle is scheduled to start Sunday's series finale. Neagle has missed two starts because of a strained hamstring. ... The Rockies received good news Thursday when OF Todd Hollandsworth reported little pain in his right shin. Hollandsworth was hitting .368 when he was placed on the disabled list May 12 after hitting a ball off his shin. He hopes to return in the second week of July. ``This probably is the most progress he's made since he's been injured,'' manager Buddy Bell said. ``The pain has subsided. Staying off it really helped.''
