MLB Capsules: Ho hum, another no-hitter: Garza throws latest gem
Five no-hitters — two of them perfect games — and another gem that was spoiled by an umpire.
By now, San Francisco Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow and others around baseball are beginning to expect a piece of pitching history every week.
"I do. I can't explain it," said Krukow, who pitched in the majors from 1976-89. "Amazing. I think it's pretty cool. The Year of the Pitcher."
Matt Garza tossed Tampa Bay's first no-hitter Monday night in a 5-0 victory over the Detroit Tigers, becoming the fifth big leaguer to turn the trick during a season of mastery on the mound.
The last time there were five no-hitters in one year was 1991, when Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan threw one of seven in the majors. Now, arms are in charge again — so much so that no-hit alerts seem commonplace.
Ho hum, another shutout. Complete game? Yawn.
"Pitching has gotten better," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "I don't know that the hitting has gone back a bit, but the pitching has definitely gotten better."
The numbers back him up.
Fourteen times a pitcher has carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning this year. That's the most through July 26 since at least 1974, as far back as such records go at STATS LLC.
As a comparison, it happened six times by that date last season.
"I don't know if there are any explanations for it," Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire said. "It runs in cycles and you just go through it."
CC Sabathia got it started with a near no-no at Tampa Bay on April 10, and the list of close calls features youngsters from Ricky Romero and Travis Wood to established stars such as John Lackey and Daisuke Matsuzaka.
Of course, several finished the job. Oakland left-hander Dallas Braden retired all 27 batters against Tampa Bay on May 9 and Philadelphia ace Roy Halladay duplicated the feat 20 days later at Florida, making this the only season besides 1880 to include a pair of perfect games.
Arizona's Edwin Jackson and Colorado's Ubaldo Jimenez also threw no-hitters — not to mention the perfect game Detroit right-hander Armando Galarraga was denied because of a missed call at first base by umpire Jim Joyce.
"It's pretty unbelievable. I don't know. It's not an easy thing to do," said Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz, who tossed a no-hitter in his second major league start on Sept. 1, 2007.
"I don't remember ever hearing about it happening like this. Maybe guys are preparing a little bit better and sticking to their game plan throughout the game. It takes a lot of luck to do it. That's one of the key things. You've got to have a couple of good plays in the field."
Ted Lilly of the Chicago Cubs and Gavin Floyd of the crosstown White Sox even had dueling no-hitters going into the bottom of the seventh inning at Wrigley Field on June 13.
Tampa Bay has been involved in three no-hitters this season, shut down by Braden and Jackson before Garza's gem Monday on a night when the Rays didn't manage a hit themselves until Matt Joyce's sixth-inning grand slam off Tigers starter Max Scherzer.
"Pitching is starting to take over the game and that's good," Florida right-hander Ricky Nolasco said. "That's the way it should be."
That figures, coming from a pitcher. But there are several reasons why baseball's balance of power has swung to the guys on the mound. Among them:
— Testing for steroids and amphetamines.
— An increased emphasis on defense.
— The sport-wide spread of bat-breaking cut fastballs.
— Advances in medicine that help revive injured arms.
— Better teaching and competition at youth, college, minor league and international levels.
"These are the best pitchers in the world, and the pitchers that have thrown the no-hitters are pretty darn nasty," Houston third baseman Chris Johnson said. "If they are on their game, it's a battle. These guys have a chance to do it every night."
Former big league pitcher and current Los Angeles Angels broadcaster Mark Gubicza has a simple theory of his own.
"I think the resurgence of the power arm is why. Outside of Dallas Braden, who doesn't have overpowering stuff but spots the ball pretty well, you can see an overwhelming majority of pitchers now that have plus fastballs in the 93-96 (mph) range and sometimes top out at 98. There are more of them that we've seen probably since maybe the late 60s and early 70s," he said.
"Unless the (radar) guns aren't right, I've never seen so many guys with such good fastballs. And when you have a guy who can spot a fastball, you can be very successful."
American League
Garza keeps first Rays no-hitter in perspective
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Matt Garza's cell phone rang so much that he finally turned it off. When he switched it on again Tuesday, it kept buzzing.
"I'm a little tired," the hard-throwing Tampa Bay right-hander said a little more than 18 hours after pitching the first no-hitter in Rays history and fifth in the major leagues this year. "But I can deal with it."
Commissioner Bud Selig sent a congratulatory letter. A ball and Garza's cap from Monday night's 5-0 victory were earmarked for delivery to the baseball Hall of Fame after the season. The pitcher also caught up with his wife and children, who were in Northern California for a camping trip but watched the game on television.
Eight-year-old son Matthew was critical of his father after Garza yielded seven runs in just 1 1-3 innings of a loss to the Florida Marlins last month, going as far as to tell the pitcher: "I could do that."
Garza has won four straight decisions, and also picked up his first career save, since that poor outing.
But when dad asked the oldest of his three children what he thought of his latest performance, the youngster still didn't cut Garza any slack.
"He said, 'You're still not an All-Star,'" the 2008 AL championship series MVP said with a big grin spreading across his face. "He's a chip off the old block. He's a competitor. He keeps you grounded. He said: 'You're not the best yet.'"
But the Rays believe Garza, obtained from Minnesota the winter before Tampa Bay's improbable run to the World Series, has the talent to become one of the top pitchers in baseball.
He faced the minimum 27 batters against the Tigers, allowing only a second-inning walk to Brennan Boesch, who was erased on a double play.
"I was one pitch away from being perfect," Garza said. "But if I don't walk that guy, then things might have changed. ... Things happen for a reason. I'm happy it turned out the way it did."
Garza, who has worked with a sports psychologist to harness his emotions on the mound, threw 120 pitches. He relied almost exclusively on his fastball to tame an injury-riddled Tigers lineup missing Carlos Guillen, Brandon Inge and Magglio Ordonez.
In addition to joining Terry Mulholland (1990) and Mark Buehrle (2007) as the only pitchers in the past 45 years to face the minimum 27 batters in a no-hitter that wasn't a perfect game, Garza (11-5) tied a career high with his 11th victory.
The Rays, who have been no-hit twice this season and three times since last July, finally wound up on the right side of a memorable pitching performance.
Two of the no-hitters thrown against them in the past 12 months were perfect games, and they didn't have a hit off Detroit starter Max Scherzer until ex-Tiger Matt Joyce's sixth-inning grand slam gave Garza all the run support he needed.
"Of course I'm happy for us, but I'm happy for him," Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said. "This is the kind of game that could catapult somebody like him who has this kind of ability. He has struggled at different moments this year. Hopefully this is one of those things that can really mentally get you over the hump."
Garza sure hopes so.
"This year I've just been so rocky, just trying to find myself. Something good had to happen soon," the right-hander said. "I'm trying to look for just a hint of consistency, and this should get the ball rolling in the right direction. I didn't feel great. My mechanics felt off, but I was able to locate my fastball."
The Rays are the first team in the majors to be involved in three no-hitters in the same season, joining the 1917 St. Louis Browns and Chicago White Sox.
Garza said his accomplishment didn't truly sink in until he arrived home to find some ballons tied to his mailbox, then sat down to relax and take in some late-night television — though he didn't watch a replay of the game or any sports highlights.
"That was a team effort. You can't win a game with one guy," Garza said.
"Sometimes you have your hero, but there's always that supporting cast. Last night I was just part of that supporting cast," Garza said. "Joyce was the hero."
-- Fred Goodall
Thomas joins White Sox as ambassador
CHICAGO (AP) — Frank Thomas has returned to the Chicago White Sox, just five years after his bitter departure.
Thomas will serve as a team ambassador, a role that could include everything from helping the current players to speaking engagements on behalf of the club.
"This is a great day today, to be named team ambassador, because I really care about this team," Thomas said before the White Sox hosted the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.
Thomas retired in February after a 19-year career that included 521 homers and 1,704 RBIs. The two-time AL MVP also finished with a .301 career batting average.
The Big Hurt split his final three seasons between Oakland and Toronto, but is remembered most for his long run with the White Sox.
Thomas left Chicago after the White Sox won the 2005 World Series, becoming upset when the club bought out his option for $3.5 million. He criticized the organization, and general manager Ken Williams responded by calling him "an idiot."
"Time heals all wounds," Thomas said. "It's part of being a great player. You know I spent 16 long years here, and, unfortunately, departures are never nice. You've seen it with some of the greatest players in all sports.
"But eventually I figured I would be back here in some capacity," he added. "It just takes time."
Thomas made his major league debut in 1990 and still owns the White Sox records for homers (448) and RBIs (1,465). The team will retire his No. 35 on Frank Thomas Day at U.S. Cellular Field on Aug. 29.
"The best hitter to ever wear this uniform was Frank," manager Ozzie Guillen said.
Thomas' number will be the 10th retired by the White Sox, following 2 (Nellie Fox), 3 (Harold Baines), 4 (Luke Appling), 9 (Minnie Minoso), 11 (Luis Aparicio), 16 (Ted Lyons), 19 (Billy Pierce), 42 (Jackie Robinson) and 72 (Carlton Fisk). Robinson's number is retired by all 30 major league teams.
Thomas will make appearances for the team and join its speakers bureau, which includes Fisk, Minoso, Ron Kittle, Bill Melton and Bill Skowron.
-- Jay Cohen
Indians call up Tomlin to start vs. Yankees, A-Rod
CLEVELAND (AP) — Josh Tomlin will have a couple of big tests when he makes his big-league debut for the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday night.
The 25-year-old will oppose the New York Yankees and Alex Rodriguez, who is hoping to hit his 600th career homer.
Manager Manny Acta doesn't think the right-hander will be fazed by facing the Yankees, who have the best record in the majors at 63-35.
"Those guys are in the league, so you may as well go and pitch against them when it is your turn," Acta said. "Based on what we've seen, Josh keeps his emotions in check. I don't expect him to be overwhelmed.
The Indians purchased Tomlin's contract from Triple-A Columbus, where he had an 8-4 record and 2.68 ERA in 20 games including 17 starts. Tomlin, a 19th-round draft choice out of Texas Tech in 2006, has a minor-league career record of 51-24.
To make room on the major league roster, outfielder Michael Brantley was optioned to Columbus. The Indians also designated for assignment Columbus infielder Wes Hodges, to clear space on Cleveland's 40-man roster.
"The move (on Brantley) was not based upon performance," Acta said, though Brantley has hit only .157 in 26 games over two callups to Cleveland this year. "We are overloaded with outfielders right now and didn't want to get caught short of infielders.
"He will be back."
Acta hopes Hodges, a second-round pick out of Georgia tech in 2006, will remain with the organization.
"It wasn't my call, but it is always a tough one," Acta said. "We like what we have seen and hopefully he'll still be with us."
Hodges, a 25-year-old corner infielder, hit .170 with nine homers and 47 RBI in 94 games for Columbus.
Royals RHP Meche likely out for season
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals right-hander Gil Meche will have surgery on his pitching shoulder that will probably end his season.
Meche, 31, has been on the disabled list since May 29 with what the club described as bursitis in the shoulder. Meche, the first upper-tier free agent the Royals signed, has battled injuries the past two seasons. He has one year left on a five-year, $55 million contract.
"I imagine it will be some type of cleanup in there with the scope," Kansas City manager Ned Yost said. "He still has irritation. It's not getting better. We're probably looking at scoping it somehow and getting him cleaned up and having him ready for next year."
Yost said, "I would imagine so" when asked if Meche would be out for the season.
"When they get in there they will have a better idea if they've just got to clean it up or if they have repair to do. They'll figure it out and then we'll have a better grasp on that. To his credit, they did everything they could do to avoid this. But if you've got problems in there that surgery is going to fix, you go fix it. Then you just move on."
Meche's first two seasons in Kansas City were good, which encouraged frugal ownership to be more active in the free agent market. His best year with the Royals was 2008 when he was a team-best 14-11 with a 3.98 ERA.
But he struggled in a rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha on Monday, going just four innings and giving up seven runs and eight hits.
"He's still experiencing pain in his shoulder," Yost said.
The Royals also had positive news on the medical front. Right-hander Luke Hochevar, on the DL since June 16 because of a sprain of the right elbow, is almost ready to return.
"He's doing much better," Yost said. "There's nothing that's going to hold him back from getting back on the mound soon."
Kurt Suzuki guaranteed $16.25 million in new deal
NEW YORK (AP) — Athletics catcher Kurt Suzuki is guaranteed $16.25 million under his new four-year contract with Oakland.
Suzuki had agreed in March to a deal paying him $420,000 in the major leagues and $246,000 in the minors.
Under the contract announced Friday, he receives a $150,000 signing bonus and $600,000 this year.
His salary increases to $3.4 million next year, when he would have been eligible for arbitration for the first time. He then gets $5 million in 2012 and $6.45 million in 2013.
Oakland has an $8.5 million team option for 2014 with a $650,000 buyout, and the option would become guaranteed at $9.25 million if Suzuki has 118 games started as a catcher in 2013.
His salary in 2014, when he could be eligible for free agency, can escalate based on a points system for awards won.
The 26-year-old Suzuki began Tuesday with a .264 batting average, 11 homers and 42 RBIs.
"Since the day Kurt got here, beyond being an outstanding player, he's been an outstanding leader and a quality guy off the field, as well," A's general manager Billy Beane said when the deal was announced. "He's the type of player you'd like to invest in. We actually started this process in the spring and started bringing up the idea. Sometimes it takes a little longer."
-- Ronald Blum
Pettitte making progress in strained-groin rehab
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Andy Pettitte is making more progress in his rehab program for a strained left groin.
The New York Yankees pitcher was "feeling good" after going through a series of running and agility drills Tuesday at the team's spring training complex. The left-hander had resumed jogging on Sunday.
Pettitte hurt the groin while throwing a pitch during a July 18 games against Tampa Bay. He made 90 throws on level ground during Tuesday's workout.
The 38-year old, also sidelined by a groin strain in 2001, hopes to rejoin the rotation before a projected return date in late August.
Pettitte is 11-2 with a 2.88 ERA in 18 starts this season.
Red Sox scratch J.D. Drew with hamstring tightness
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Boston Red Sox have scratched outfielder J.D. Drew with tightness in his left hamstring.
Boston made the move Tuesday night just a few minutes before the Red Sox faced the Los Angeles Angels in the second game of their series.
Drew hit a two-run double in the ninth inning of Boston's 6-3 victory over the Angels on Monday night.
Drew has hits in five of the last six games for the Red Sox. He is 7 for 32 with four RBIs on Boston's 10-game road trip, which ends Wednesday.
Darnell McDonald replaced Drew in right field against the Angels, and second baseman Jed Lowrie took Drew's No. 2 spot in the lineup.
MLB asks San Jose to wait on A's ballot measure
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Major League Baseball is asking San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed to hold off on putting a measure on the ballot for an Oakland Athletics ballpark.
Reed said he spoke with MLB President Bob DuPuy on Tuesday about the proposed measure.
Last week, the mayor said he would ask the City Council to approve a ballot measure even though MLB has yet to decide whether the team can move. Baseball commissioner Bud Selig had said he was "disappointed" with Reed's action.
The A's need approval before they can move to San Jose because the San Francisco Giants hold territorial rights to the area. Voters also have to approve a stadium.
Reed, who said he would consider the request, also said the league committed to help pay for a special election if one is required.
Yankees' Posada scratched with sore left knee
CLEVELAND (AP) — Jorge Posada was scratched from the New York Yankees' lineup minutes before gametime because of a sore left knee.
A Yankees spokesman said Posada experienced left knee soreness and was replaced by Francisco Cervelli.
Posada was originally in manager Joe Girardi's lineup, batting sixth. Cervelli went into the eighth spot, with center fielder Curtis Granderson being moved up from seventh to sixth and first baseman Juan Miranda up one notch to seventh.
Posada went 1 for 3 with a run in the Yankees' 3-2 win Monday night. He is hitting .269 with 12 homers and 38 RBI in 69 games this season.
Branyan returns to Mariners lineup
CHICAGO (AP) — Russell Branyan is back in the Seattle Mariners' lineup after being sidelined with back spasms.
Branyan was batting third and serving as the designated hitter for Tuesday night's game against the Chicago White Sox. He entered with a .260 average, 13 homers and 34 RBIs in 65 games for Seattle and Cleveland.
Branyan first felt tightness in his lower back before Seattle's 6-1 loss to the White Sox on July 19. He felt it again when he doubled in his first at-bat that night, then left after his second plate appearance.
While Branyan returned to the lineup, Seattle was without center fielder Franklin Gutierrez. Manager Don Wakamatsu said Gutierrez was away from the ballpark so he could deal with a family issue.
Mariners 3B Lopez leaves with hamstring injury
CHICAGO (AP) — Third baseman Jose Lopez has left the Seattle Mariners' game against the Chicago White Sox with a tight left hamstring.
Lopez grounded into an inning-ending double play in the first and was replaced in the field before Chicago batted in the second Tuesday night. Jack Wilson came in to play shortstop and Josh Wilson moved to third.
The Mariners say Lopez is day to day.
Upton leaves with left ankle injury
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Tampa Bay Rays center fielder B.J. Upton left Tuesday night's game against Detroit with a sprained left ankle.
Upton was hurt while moving in on Will Rhymes' single with one out in the first. After spending two minutes on the turf, Upton was able to walk off the field.
The Rays said Upton is day to day.
Rhymes' first major league hit, and the first Detroit hit of the game, came one day after the Tigers were no-hit in a 5-0 loss to Tampa Bay right-hander Matt Garza.
Rays sign Cuban 1B Ruiz
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays have signed Cuban first baseman Jose Ruiz to a one-year major league contract.
The agreement was announced after the Rays beat Detroit 3-2 on Tuesday night. The 24-year old Ruiz will report to Tampa Bay's summer league team in the Dominican Republic.
Also, Tampa Bay signed 2010 fifth round draft pick, right-handed pitcher Ian Kendall.
Royals RHP Farnsworth leaves with apparent injury
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Royals pitcher Kyle Farnsworth left the game against Minnesota in the seventh inning Tuesday night with a right hamstring cramp.
After throwing two pitches to Michael Cuddyer, Farnsworth walked off on his own and was replaced by Robinson Tejeda. The Royals said he would be re-evaluated on Wednesday.
National League
Strasburg has inflammation in right shoulder
WASHINGTON (AP) — Rookie sensation Stephen Strasburg was diagnosed with inflammation in his pitching shoulder after being scratched from his scheduled start for the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night because he had problems warming up his prized and powerful right arm.
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said Strasburg had "stiffness and discomfort" in his right shoulder, but an MRI and X-ray show no structural damage.
"Given a couple days' rest and anti-inflammatories, he should be better," Rizzo said.
The Nationals did not make Strasburg available for comment, saying he went for tests immediately after he encountered trouble. He was supposed to start Tuesday's game against the Atlanta Braves; instead, Miguel Batista was summoned on short notice and earned the win with five shutout innings in Washington's 3-0 victory.
Rizzo said Strasburg is day to day and he's not certain when the righty will pitch next.
"We're still not sure where he's at," the GM said.
Earlier, Rizzo said Strasburg did not have "shooting pains or anything like that in his shoulder or elbow."
In nine starts for Washington, Strasburg is 5-2 with a 2.32 ERA, 75 strikeouts and 15 walks in 54 1-3 innings. He has won his past three starts.
Word of Strasburg's difficulty was relayed from pitching coach Steve McCatty to Rizzo by a team trainer, and shortly before the scheduled beginning of Tuesday's game, the Nationals PR staff announced that Strasburg would be replaced on the mound by Batista.
There were scattered boos when that news was delivered via the loudspeakers to fans at Nationals Park — many of whom surely purchased tickets precisely in order to watch Strasburg throw his 100 mph fastballs and hitter-confounding breaking balls. There were more and louder boos before the third inning, when a picture of Strasburg was put on the scoreboard, alongside a written explanation of why he was sitting out.
Batista took the jeers in stride.
"Imagine if you go there to see Miss Universe and you end up having Miss Iowa, you might get those kind of boos. But it's OK," he said. "They had to understand that as an organization we have to make sure the kid is fine."
The Nationals have been quite careful in the way they have brought along Strasburg since choosing him with the No. 1 overall pick in the June 2009 amateur draft, then giving him a record $15.1 million contract right before the August 2009 deadline for getting deals done.
Even though Strasburg was dominant at times during spring training, he was moved to minor league camp in Florida, then began the season at Double-A Harrisburg. The righty was promoted to Triple-A Syracuse in early May, before making his much-anticipated major league debut June 8 — and, somehow, surpassing the hype by striking out 14 batters in a 5-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
He left that game after seven innings, part of the pattern of easing him into the rigors of the major leagues. The Nationals have said they would end Strasburg's season when he reaches 160 innings, even if that cap were to come in late August or early September.
So far in 2010, he's thrown 109 2-3 innings total, including in the minors, which essentially matches his count in his final college season at San Diego State: 109 innings.
"We're going to use common sense and be cautious like we have," Rizzo said. "This is a workload that he's never seen before."
The GM said Strasburg, who turned 22 on July 20, showed no signs of any issues during the time since his last start, a 7-3 victory at Cincinnati last Wednesday. Rizzo said the pitcher was fine while throwing a side session and a "clean" bullpen session, then playing catch Monday.
Batista wound up pitching five scoreless innings, allowing three hits, all singles. He had six strikeouts and one walk.
-- Howard Fendrich
Street suffers abdominal bruise; Tulo returns
DENVER (AP) — Colorado Rockies closer Huston Street bruised the right side of his abdomen when he was hit by a line drive in batting practice Tuesday.
The team said he was sent home to rest and his availability will be on a day-to-day basis.
The accident quickly changed the mood for the Rockies, who were regaling in the return of All-Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki from the disabled list.
Street was taken off the field in an ambulance and transported to an emergency room for further examination.
Rockies head athletic trainer Keith Dugger said that Street passed out "two or three times" and had ringing in his ears after being struck by the baseball off the bat of Ian Stewart as Street warmed up in right field. Street also complained of pain down his right leg and stomach discomfort.
"Right on the pelvis. You could see a black-and-blue mark," Dugger said. "He'd hold his breath when he felt discomfort and pain."
Stewart went into the right field corner to check on his teammate soon after the incident.
"I was hoping it wasn't going to hit anybody. I thought it hit him in the arm," Stewart said. "I saw him down there and told him I was sorry. He said, 'At least you hit the ball hard.' It's just one of those trends that continues for us so far this year."
The Rockies have been hit hard by injuries this season. But they were looking on the bright side Tuesday, especially after a woeful road trip.
After all, they were getting Tulowitzki back.
The slick-fielding shortstop was activated after missing nearly six weeks with a broken left wrist. At first, the Rockies didn't miss their best player, going 15-7 without him.
But they went 2-9 on a brutal three-city trip after the break that dropped Colorado eight games behind NL West leader San Diego.
With their leader's return, the Rockies were hoping this would be the spark to get them rolling again.
"Getting Tulo back, we're expecting a lot of good things," said Clint Barmes, who will shift from shortstop back to second base and platoon with Jonathan Herrera. "Having him back in our lineup is only going to make us stronger, is only going to make us better. I don't know if you want to say savior or not, but it's pretty important for us to have him back."
No pressure there.
"That's what everyone thinks is going to happen: Since I'm coming back, all of a sudden something magical is going to happen — we're going to win all kinds of games," said Tulowitzki, who broke his wrist June 17 in Minnesota when he was hit by a pitch from Twins reliever Alex Burnett. "The reality of it is that's not how it's going to be. I'd like to contribute, but at the same time, I'm not no savior. I'm not going to turn this thing by myself."
To make room for Tulowitzki on the roster, the team designated first baseman Brad Eldred for assignment. He was hitting .250 as he helped fill in for Todd Helton, who's been out since early July with a stiff lower back.
Rockies manager Jim Tracy was thrilled at the thought of penciling Tulowitzki's name back into the cleanup spot. Tulowitzki entered Tuesday hitting .306 with nine homers and 34 RBIs.
"Obviously, we're putting a very special name back in the lineup," Tracy said before the game Tuesday night against Pittsburgh. "It's a very good feeling, knowing we have the opportunity to do that."
It's been an injury-riddled season for Street as the reliever missed the first 69 games of the season recovering from an inflamed right shoulder.
Since his return on June 22, Street has saved six games in seven chances. His command has been pinpoint, striking out 15 and issuing just one walk in 15 innings.
Soon after being hit, Street went to the ground in the right field corner. He had a throng of teammates gather around him as they waited for the ambulance to arrive.
"It's scary when you have to have the ambulance come out," Stewart said. "It's not something we're accustomed to out here. I said a prayer for him and hope he's OK. That's all I could do for him."
-- Pat Graham
Mets LF Bay has mild concussion, out of lineup
NEW YORK (AP) — Mets left fielder Jason Bay has been diagnosed with a mild concussion and is out of the lineup for at least a few days.
Bay hurt himself when he crashed into the wall Friday night while making a catch at Dodger Stadium. He played Saturday and Sunday, going 2 for 9 with four strikeouts, and said he felt the effects from the concussion during the trip back to New York.
"I didn't really have the headaches until the flight home," Bay said before Tuesday night's game against St. Louis. Since then, he said, he has felt "dull headaches."
Bay will be re-evaluated over the next 48 to 72 hours. He said he had "no idea" when he will return to the lineup, and said he didn't think the injury was anything major. He said he had no history of concussions.
Bay is hitting .259 with six home runs and 47 RBIs. The Mets, who went 2-9 on their road trip, are still waiting for the All-Star to hit with power in his first season with New York.
Angel Pagan started in left field for the series opener against NL Central-leading St. Louis.
If Bay is OK, he could soon resume baseball activities, Mets manager Jerry Manuel said.
The Mets are sure to be careful with Bay's condition. In 2008, the team drew criticism from how it handled outfielder Ryan Church, who was slowed for much of the season by two concussions.
Bay was injured during Friday night's 6-1 win at Los Angeles. He made a running catch on Jamey Carroll's drive to end the second inning, and his momentum carried him face-first into the bullpen gate. Bay was down on the warning track for a few moments.
Bay later hit a bases-loaded double, then left as a precaution in the bottom of the eighth.
Over the weekend, Bay said he felt sore and stiff but had no problems playing.
-- Ben Walker
Mets manager Manuel suspended after ejection
NEW YORK (AP) — Mets manager Jerry Manuel was given a one-game suspension for a recent run-in with an umpire and sat out Tuesday night's game against St. Louis.
Manuel also was fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Baseball. There is no option to appeal.
"I think it's a little harsh," Manuel said.
Bench coach Dave Jauss filled in as New York began a homestand following a 2-9 road trip.
Manuel was ejected from Friday night's 6-1 win at Los Angeles for arguing after first base umpire Doug Eddings called Luis Castillo out. Replays showed Castillo's foot was already on the bag before shortstop Rafael Furcal's throw reached James Loney's glove.
Manuel came on the field and gestured wildly at Eddings, and the bills of their caps made contact. Manuel was ejected for the third time this season.
"I'm always surprised that the other voice isn't heard. There's no forum" to present his case, Manuel said.
Manuel said there was no intent on his part to brush caps with Eddings.
"You could have left that situation as an ejection," he said.
Ross agrees to $3.25 million, 2-year extension
WASHINGTON (AP) — Atlanta Braves backup catcher David Ross agreed to a two-year contract extension that will pay him $3.25 million.
Ross is making $1.6 million this year in the final season of a $3 million, two-year deal. The extension announced Tuesday will pay him $1,625,000 in each of the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
He can make an additional $250,000 annually in performance bonuses: $50,000 each for 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 games started as a catcher.
Ross was batting .269 with no homers and 18 RBIs heading into Atlanta's game at the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night. The 33-year-old is in his ninth major league season and had thrown out 37 percent of runners who've tried to steal on him.
He could have become a free agent at the end of this season.
Atlanta also optioned outfielder Nate McLouth to Triple-A Gwinnett and activated outfielder Brent Clevlen from the 15-day disabled list.
McLouth is hitting .168 with three homers and 14 RBIs this season. Clevlen went on the DL in May with a sprained toe.
Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki returns to lineup
DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Rockies are looking on the bright side after a woeful road trip: Troy Tulowitzki is back.
The All-Star shortstop was activated Tuesday after missing nearly six weeks with a broken left wrist. At first, the Rockies didn't miss their best player, going 15-7 without him. But they went 2-9 on a brutal three-city trip after the break that dropped Colorado eight games behind NL West leader San Diego.
Tulowitzki broke his wrist June 17 in Minnesota when he was hit by a pitch from Twins reliever Alex Burnett. He is hitting .306 with nine homers and 34 RBIs.
To make room for Tulowitzki on the roster, the team designated first baseman Brad Eldred for reassignment.
-- Pat Graham
Pirates recall relievers Jackson, Ledezma
DENVER (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates recalled right-hander Steven Jackson and purchased the contract of lefty Will Ledezma from Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.
Jackson was 3-0 with a 3.92 ERA in 31 games for Indianapolis. This is his third call-up of the season.
Ledezma was 0-1 with a 0.94 ERA and eight saves in 35 appearances for Indianapolis. He last pitched in a major league game April 18, 2009, while with the Washington Nationals.
The moves fill the roster spots vacated by starter Brad Lincoln and reliever Brendan Donnelly. On Sunday, Lincoln was optioned to Triple-A and Donnelly was designated for assignment.
Rollins out with a sore foot
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jimmy Rollins isn't in the Phillies' starting lineup because of bruised left foot.
The three-time All-Star shortstop got hurt when he fouled a ball of his foot during Philadelphia's 5-4 win over Colorado on Monday. He finished the game. X-rays on the foot were negative and Rollins is listed as day-to-day. Manager Charlie Manuel says the former NL MVP probably will need a couple days off.
Wilson Valdez took Rollins' spot in the opener of a three-game series against Arizona on Tuesday night. A calf injury landed Rollins on the disabled list twice earlier in the season.
