MLB Capsules: Aaron 'saddened' by Bonds, Clemens steroid stories
NEW YORK (AP) — Hank Aaron's verdict on baseball's steroid scandal: "Saddened."
Aaron, long reluctant to weigh in too strongly on the stories involving steroids and baseball, said Tuesday he'll keep sticking with that tact in the cases of Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds, both accused of lying about using steroids and facing trial next spring
"I'm just saddened by it," said Aaron, who held the all-time home run record until Bonds broke it in 2007. "I'm not a judge and I'm not a juror and I don't know who's guilty and who's what. I'm just saddened for baseball and saddened for Clemens and Bonds, both."
Aaron said he hasn't given any thought to whether Bonds' or Clemens' numbers should stand, be wiped away or accompanied by asterisk.
"I have too much to worry about to worry about Clemens and Bonds," he said.
Last month, Clemens was indicted for lying to Congress and has a trial scheduled for April. Bonds' faces a perjury trial in March.
More important to Aaron than the news on steroids is the state of baseball in America, where blacks have slowly been seeping out of the sport. Last season, the number of black players in the Major Leagues dropped to 9 percent, a slight improvement from a low of 8.2 percent in 2007.
Aaron sees the limited number of college scholarships as blocking development.
"Football has such a lucrative scholarship that when parents talk to their kids about going to school, they talk about one thing, and that's playing football," Aaron said. "You had kids like Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders, who could've been excellent baseball players, but they had to go to school on football scholarships and play two sports. In the long run, it's not going to work, especially for baseball."
(Sanders also ran track at Florida State.)
Aaron, attending the U.S. Open to receive the U.S. Tennis Association's "Breaking the Barriers" honor, said he never played much tennis as a kid, but always appreciated people who could hit the ball hard — and keep it in the park. He met Arthur Ashe, long considered one of sports' great ambassadors, on a few occasions and always appreciated the way he handled himself in an era where blacks faced more harassment on and off the court and field.
"I admired him, what he stood for, the way he went about his business," Aaron said. "He was a fine example of what I always wanted to be in my life, to carry myself the same way he did."
American League
Posada celebrates 1,000th RBI with fundraiser
NEW YORK (AP) — Jorge Posada is celebrating his 1,000th RBI with a fundraiser for his family's charity foundation.
Posada's wife, Laura, and the Yankees hosted an event Tuesday night before New York's game against the Baltimore Orioles to unveil a T-shirt commemorating his achievement. The net proceeds from sales of the shirts will go to the Jorge Posada Foundation, named after Jorge and Laura's 10-year-old son, Jorge Luis.
At 10 days old, Jorge Luis was diagnosed with craniosynostosis, a disease that causes bones in the skull to fuse prematurely. Jorge Luis has had eight operations to correct the condition and will likely need one more — some children have 14 or 15 operations, Posada said. The foundation supports children with the rare malady.
"I think we have grown and done so much for other people," Posada said. "For me it means the world."
The foundation, its logo always showing on Posada's computer at his locker in the Yankees clubhouse, provides financial and emotional support to families whose children are having surgery, and offers grants to hospitals for equipment and teaching.
"We have taken the opportunity that I'm in to help out others," the five-time All-Star said. "I think the experience we have learned from Jorge, and the operations, we are able to help other people out."
The T-shirt has "hip, hip, Jorge" — a popular fan chant since the late 1990s when Posada took over the regular catching duties for the Yankees — and "One Thousand RBI" printed on the front.
Posada drove in his 1,000th run on July 23, becoming the fifth catcher in major league history with 250 homers, 350 doubles and 1,000 RBIs.
-- Howie Rumberg
Alex Rodriguez out of Yankees' lineup
NEW YORK (AP) — Alex Rodriguez is out of the New York Yankees' lineup, this time as a precaution after playing two straight games since coming off the disabled list.
Manager Joe Girardi says he's just keeping his slugger fresh as he recovers from a strained left calf. Girardi says he likely will not let Rodriguez play an extended stretch of games for another week.
Rodriguez says he pleaded to play with Girardi and trainers to play Tuesday night against Baltimore, but understands the decision. He is 3 for 7 with a homer and three RBIs in his two games back.
Robinson Cano was in the cleanup spot in place of Rodriguez.
Royals 1B Butler out with bruised right hand
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kansas City Royals first baseman Billy Butler has left the game at Minnesota because of bruised right hand.
Denard Span hit a hard chopper for the Twins to start the third inning of Tuesday night's game that took a tough bounce at Butler and grazed his right, non-gloved, hand.
The ball skipped by him into right field, and Butler immediately winced in pain. He was doubled over with his hands on his knees for a few seconds before walking to the mound with pitcher Brian Bannister. Then he headed for the dugout after a brief conversation with manager Ned Yost and a team athletic trainer.
Butler was replaced by Kila Ka'aihue. The Royals said X-rays on Butler's hand were negative. Yost said he wouldn't play on Wednesday.
"It's the same hand that he's been struggling with for awhile, and it hit him in the exact same spot," Yost said.
A's, Quakes have architect for proposed stadiums
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — The Oakland Athletics, along with the MLS San Jose Earthquakes, have selected an architect to design the teams' proposed privately funded stadiums.
While the San Francisco Giants hold the territorial rights to San Jose, Commissioner Bud Selig could soon make recommendations on how to proceed.
He formed a committee to study the issue and has regularly said the run-down Oakland Coliseum isn't a viable long-term option for the small-market A's.
A's and Earthquakes owner Lew Wolff announced Tuesday that 360 Architecture had been selected for the projects. The company handled the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., the home of the Jets and Giants.
Team spokesman Bob Rose says the A's have no estimate of the size or cost of the new stadium if they're allowed to move.
Thome homers again, ties Robinson for 8th place
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota's Jim Thome has moved into a tie for eighth place on baseball's all-time home run list with Frank Robinson, after hitting No. 586.
Thome went deep in the sixth inning on a 3-2 count, giving the Twins a 10-2 lead over Kansas City on Tuesday night. This was Thome's 22nd homer of the season, estimated by the team's media relations staff at 452 feet.
The ball soared over right field and past the American flag, traveling to almost exactly the same place his estimated 480-foot shot landed in Monday's game against the Royals. Thome has four home runs in his last three games.
After a little prompting from the Target Field crowd, Thome stepped out of the dugout and waved to the fans.
Manny Ramirez leaves game after being hit by pitch
DETROIT (AP) — Chicago White Sox designated hitter Manny Ramirez has left a game against the Detroit Tigers in the eighth inning after being hit on the left wrist by a pitch.
White Sox starting pitcher Freddy Garcia (back) and Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera (shoulder) also left Tuesday night's game with injuries.
Ramirez, plunked earlier in the game by Justin Verlander, was hit again in the eighth by rookie Robbie Weinhardt. The pitch came close enough to the knob of Ramirez's bat that plate umpire Angel Campos checked with first-base ump Brian Gorman to see if it should be ruled a foul ball.
Ramirez was examined briefly by the Chicago training staff before walking into the dugout. He was replaced by Alejandro De Aza with the White Sox trailing 6-1.
White Sox recall Torres, Viciedo, scratch Beckham
DETROIT (AP) — The Chicago White Sox have recalled pitcher Carlos Torres and infielder Dayan Viciedo from Triple-A Charlotte.
The White Sox made the moves before Tuesday night's game against Detroit.
Both players had been with Chicago earlier this season. Torres went 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA in two games, while Viciedo hit .268 with three homers in 27 games.
Chicago also changed its starting lineup shortly before gametime. Third baseman Gordon Beckham was scratched because of continuing pain in his right hand.
White Sox RHP Garcia leaves start with stiff back
DETROIT (AP) — Chicago White Sox pitcher Freddy Garcia has left his start against the Detroit Tigers after two innings with a stiff lower back.
Garcia came out with Chicago trailing 2-1 on Tuesday night. He allowed three hits, including Johnny Damon's two-run homer in the first inning. He was replaced by Lucas Harrell.
Garcia entered 11-5 with a 4.82 ERA in 25 starts this season for the White Sox, who began the day 3½ games behind first-place Minnesota in the AL Central and six games out in the wild-card race.
Orioles activate RHP Hernandez from disabled list
NEW YORK (AP) — The Baltimore Orioles have activated right-hander David Hernandez from the 15-day disabled list and recalled two minor leaguers to their expanded roster.
Hernandez had been out since Aug. 5 because of a left ankle strain. A late-inning specialist, he was 5-8 with two saves and a 4.52 ERA in 33 games.
Hernandez was shifted to the bullpen in late May. He went 1-5 with a 5.31 ERA in eight starts.
The Orioles also recalled left-handers Troy Patton from Triple-A Norfolk and Pedro Viola from Double-A Bowie.
National League
Brewers closer Trevor Hoffman notches 600th save
MILWAUKEE (AP) — For the past two seasons, Trevor Hoffman has organized and led all clubhouse celebrations when one of his Milwaukee Brewers teammates reached any particular accomplishment.
On Tuesday night, it was his turn.
Hoffman added another milestone to his illustrious career, earning his 600th save by closing out the Milwaukee Brewers' 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.
Brewers players hoisted Hoffman on their shoulders and carried him toward the dugout as his wife Tracy and three sons, Brody, Quinn and Wyatt, ran onto the field to hug him.
"You saw how my teammates reacted," Hoffman said. "Those are the type of moments you see when teams have success and they head into the postseason. To have your teammates have that kind of outpouring is hard to describe.
"I guess it shows that you're doing things right and you're having an impact in a positive manner," he said. "You appreciate the game, you appreciate them and they are appreciating you back."
Hoffman had an 11.65 ERA in his first 18 appearances this year and lost his closer's job to rookie John Axford. Instead of sulking or lashing out at management, Hoffman quietly tutored Axford and worked in middle relief during the summer to improve.
His numbers have been much better lately with a 2.63 ERA in his last 29 appearances. He's been getting ninth-inning work lately as the team tried to help him reach No. 600.
"It was probably the best hold of my entire life right there for his 600th save," said Axford, who recorded two outs in the eighth.
Axford has converted 20 of 22 saves while being mentored by Hoffman.
"In all honesty, he's meant everything to my development," Axford said. "He carries about his business perfectly. He's been the best mentor for me.
"I see what he does and I try to build upon that. I try to do right by Trevor and that's by doing things the right way."
Milwaukee manager Ken Macha pointed to an example of the leadership Hoffman has provided the young Brewers pitchers.
"Today, we're out there taking extra (batting practice) and we've got all these pitchers (led by Hoffman) running around in the parking lot with their shirts off, so it's something else that he's done for these guys," Macha said.
The team presented Hoffman with a large painting of him pitching at Miller Park, and sold commemorative T-shirts to fans after the game. His teammates gave him praise in the locker room and a gift of cigars.
"He's taught me a lot of things as far as being a teammate and being a team player and going about the game," slugger Prince Fielder said. "Everything he says is good knowledge. His work ethic is through the roof. He works hard every day."
Besides Hoffman's milestone, it was a game where four people were ejected by the umpires, including Macha. The manager was tossed in the second inning, but watched the game from the clubhouse. He said pitching coach Rick Peterson came in to ask him about the ninth inning, and he told him to send Hoffman to the mound.
The right-hander entered in the ninth to his traditional music — "Hells Bells" by AC/DC — and gave up a bloop single to Colby Rasmus. Pinch-hitter Randy Winn then grounded into a double play.
Hoffman got pinch-hitter Aaron Miles on a grounder to shortstop for the final out and raised his arms in triumph as teammates rushed to mob him near the mound. Fireworks went off and the No. 599 was peeled off to reveal '600' on a sign next to the Brewers' bullpen in left-center.
"He's one of the best relievers the game's ever seen," Miles said. "I always look forward to competing against him in the ninth inning. Congratulations to him."
It was Hoffman's ninth save in 13 chances this season and 600th in 676 career opportunities. He earned his first save for Florida in 1993, then spent most of his career with the San Diego Padres before joining the Brewers last season.
He said he hasn't decided whether he'll return to pitch next season or retire.
Hoffman passed Lee Smith as the career saves leader, earning No. 479 while pitching for San Diego against Pittsburgh on Sept. 24, 2006.
Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees is second in major league history with 555 saves.
Casey McGehee had a single and double with three RBIs for Milwaukee.
Brewers starter Chris Narveson (11-7) pitched seven innings, giving up two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out nine.
St. Louis starter Kyle Lohse (2-7) went five innings, giving up four runs and seven hits. In four starts since returning from the disabled list, he is 1-3 with a 10.31 ERA.
"Tough way to lose," Lohse said. "It's frustrating to give up the two-out hits again."
Milwaukee won for only the second time in eight games.
Rockies purchase contract of Jay Payton
DENVER (AP) — Jay Payton's beard has turned gray, the only hint of his advancing age.
Otherwise, the 37-year-old veteran outfielder is still as muscular as ever, still as good of a contact hitter as always.
After tearing it up all season at Triple-A Colorado Springs, Payton had his contract purchased Tuesday by the Colorado Rockies.
And just like that, Payton is a major leaguer again for the first time since 2008.
"Seems like it's been 10 years," said Payton, who hasn't suited up in the big leagues since Sept. 27, 2008, as a member of the Baltimore Orioles. "I'm happy to be back — real happy to be back."
The team also purchased the contract of catcher Paul Phillips and recalled right-hander Edgmer Escalona, along with designating reliever Taylor Buchholz for assignment.
All three were in uniform Tuesday night against Cincinnati.
Payton has been keeping close tabs on the Rockies in recent weeks, realizing he probably would only be promoted if the squad remained in contention.
Should the team slide, an up-and-comer would more than likely get the nod.
But the Rockies' recent surge has them in the thick of the NL wild card chase and Payton has become a beneficiary of the success.
"Fortunately, it worked out," he said. "Nice to be back."
Payton has played 11 seasons in the majors with six different teams, but sat out last season. His best year was during his first stint with the Rockies, hitting .302 with 28 homers and 89 RBIs in 2003.
This summer, he feasted on burgeoning pitchers as he hit .323 with the Sky Sox.
Not that Payton really envisioned playing five months in the minors. He figured if he wasn't called up early in the season, he probably wouldn't be at all and would have to ponder his baseball future.
But he stuck with it, hoping for another shot in the majors.
"I'm not much of a quitter," Payton said, smiling.
Even an injury to his side — the result of being hit by a pitch — and a slow start in the second half of the season couldn't derail his quest.
"I got that second wind and got re-motivated," he said. "I wanted to grind it out."
For that, Rockies manager Jim Tracy is appreciative. He even summoned Payton into his office before the game Tuesday, just to chat with him.
"There is a point and time where, as a leader, you look at a guy like this and you say thank you," Tracy said. "This is a veteran guy who's been very, very successful as a major-league player. He persevered."
The players in the clubhouse quickly greeted him, slugger Jason Giambi coming over and wrapping him up in a friendly embrace.
"At the end of the day, this is what I wanted — to put a big league uniform back on," Payton said. "Yeah, I would've liked to have been here a little sooner, but I'm glad now I stuck it out. It was definitely well worth it."
Payton even left the door open for a possible return in 2011, something he will fully consider after the season.
"I feel good, but I also know it's the way of the young man now," Payton said. "I'm not the young man. The last couple of years, it's been tougher for the older guys to get gigs.
"Hopefully, somebody who watched me play down there in the Springs this year, thinks I played like I was 25 and not 37. If somebody liked what they saw, thinks I still have something left in the tank, maybe they'll give me an opportunity."
-- Pat Graham
Umpires eject 4, including a fan
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A player, a manager, a coach and even a fan were ejected Tuesday night during the Milwaukee Brewers' 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.
In the bottom of the seventh, home plate umpire Bob Davidson stopped the game and walked to the stands near the backstop netting and motioned for a fan, Sean A. Ottow, 44, of Waukesha, Wis., wearing a T-shirt with a Brewers logo on it to leave his seat. An usher motioned for him to leave, and the fan stood and posed with his arms extended in the air in a V shape while drawing loud cheers from the fans.
Ottow was cited for disorderly conduct by police and ejected. He said he was heckling Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina.
"But I never swore at him," Ottow said while handcuffed to a bench on Miller Park's service level. "He just got the umpire to throw me out. We were bantering back and forth and I guess Molina couldn't take it anymore.
"You'd think these guys would have tougher skin than that," he said.
Ottow was able to watch the game on television while being processed in the Police Command Post at Miller Park and took pleasure when Molina struck out looking to end the eighth.
"I don't care how much this costs me... you're a loser Molina!" he shouted.
Molina declined to comment.
In the second, Milwaukee manager Ken Macha was thrown out by second base umpire Tim Timmons while arguing a call that cost the Brewers a run.
Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan was ejected from the dugout by Davidson in the third for arguing a called ball on a pitch from starter Kyle Lohse to Corey Hart.
In the fifth, Milwaukee center fielder Chris Dickerson was called out on strikes and slammed his helmet to the ground while walking back to the dugout, getting an immediate ejection from Davidson.
The call that got Macha ejected occurred with runners on the corners and no outs. Milwaukee starter Chris Narveson hit into a double play that appeared to let Jonathan Lucroy score from third, but Timmons ruled that Craig Counsell had interfered with shortstop Tyler Greene's throw to first by running out of the baseline.
Under rule 7.09(f) the ball becomes dead once the interference is called, and Lucroy was forced to return to third. Rickie Weeks followed with a pop out to end the inning.
"It was a strange game for sure with all the questionable calls, but the way it turned out — I think that's what everybody's going to remember," Counsell said of Trevor Hoffman earning his 600th save in the game.
Padres RHP Chris Young set for 3rd rehab start
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Padres right-hander Chris Young is scheduled to make a third minor league rehab start on Saturday night, this time for the Class-A Lake Elsinore Storm in the opening game of the California League Southern Division finals.
After that, if his right shoulder feels OK, there's a chance the 6-foot-10 Young could pitch in the big leagues for the first time since April 6.
"I want to pitch in a big league game. That's my goal and that's what I'm working for," Young said Tuesday before the NL West-leading Padres played the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Young made just one start this season and has been on the disabled list since April 12 with a strained right shoulder.
The Padres considered having him pitch in another simulated game, but Young said he gets more out of rehab starts.
"It's just hard to simulate adrenaline and intensity," Young said. "When you're used to pitching in a competitive, big league environment, it's hard to trick yourself into that intensity no matter how hard you try.
"There's certain emotions and feelings that you just can't simulate. I think a real game, you get more out of it. It's just realistic rest in between innings, umpires, just any sort of weird things that can be thrown at you. In a simulated game, everything's controlled. So it is definitely preferable to be in a live, real environment."
Young threw 3 1-3 hitless innings for Triple-A Portland against Las Vegas on Sunday. Five days earlier, he allowed one run and two hits in three innings for Portland at Reno.
Young said the goal for Saturday night is five innings and 75 pitches.
"I don't know what the options would be at that point," he said. "I want to get through Saturday night and then we'll take a look at it. If I get to five innings and 75 pitches and healthwise feel good, I think I'll probably have the itch to be back in the big leagues."
Young hard arthroscopic surgery on the shoulder in August 2009. He's had a serious injury each season since 2008, when he was hit in the face by an Albert Pujols line drive.
As per tradition, Young will dip into his wallet once again to provide a postgame spread for the minor leaguers.
"I'm already about $1,200 deep in spreads so this will add to it," Young said. "But if it means getting back to the big leagues, it'll be well worth it."
-- Bernie Wilson
Nationals recall Cuban-born Maya for majors debut
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Nationals recalled right-hander Yunesky Maya from Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday, hours before his major league debut against the New York Mets.
Maya, a Cuban defector who signed with the Nationals on Aug. 3, faced another pitcher making his debut in the majors, New York's Dillon Gee. It was only the fifth game since 1980 in which both starting pitchers were making their big league debuts.
Maya had a standout career in Cuba, going 48-29 with a 2.51 ERA over six seasons with Pinar Del Rio Vegueros. He went 13-4 with seven complete games and a 2.22 ERA last season and was chosen the league's top pitcher. He also pitched for Cuba in the 2006 and 2009 World Baseball Classic.
The 28-year-old pitcher quickly worked his way through Washington's minor league system, making five starts at three different levels in less than a month. He went 1-1 with an 0.87 ERA in two starts with Syracuse.
The Nationals also selected right-handed pitcher Joe Bisenius from Syracuse, recalled left-handed pitcher Ross Detwiler from rehab and reinstated him from the 15-day disabled list, and designated catcher Carlos Maldonado for assignment.
Bisenius, 27, went 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA in 14 relief appearances with Syracuse this year. He signed with the Nationals as a minor league free agent in May after spending six seasons in the Philadelphia Phillies' farm system.
Detwiler, 24, went on the disabled list on Aug. 8 with a strained hip muscle, retroactive to Aug. 6. He is 0-2 with a 3.46 ERA in three starts with Washington this season.
Cubs to unveil Wrigley Field statue of Williams
CHICAGO (AP) — A statue of Hall of Famer Billy Williams was dedicated by the Chicago Cubs outside Wrigley Field on Tuesday.
The sculpture was unveiled before Chicago's home game against the Houston Astros. Williams was accompanied at the ceremony by his wife, Shirley. Also in attendance were former teammates Ernie Banks, Ferguson Jenkins, Ron Santo and Glenn Beckert, and Chicago dignitary Rev. Jesse Jackson.
The statue portrays Williams finishing his sweet left-handed swing.
Williams played 16 seasons with the Cubs from 1959-74, primarily in left field. He hit .290 with 426 home runs and 1,475 RBIs during his 18-year major league career.
"When they told me about the unveiling in Chicago, I thought this day couldn't come here fast enough," Williams said. "This is beyond a dream for a kid growing up in Whistler, Alabama."
Williams joined Banks as the only two Cubs players to be honored with a statue. Williams was inducted into the Hall Fame and had his No. 26 retired by the Cubs in 1987.
"This is two great honors. The first being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987 and now the second one, being honored with a statue," Williams said.
The statue is located outside the southeast entrance of Wrigley Field, on the corner of Sheffield Avenue and Addison Street.
Previously, a statue of late Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray was located in that spot. Caray's statue was moved and rededicated at Sheffield and Waveland Avenues last Wednesday.
Reds recall RHP Edinson Volquez from minors
DENVER (AP) — The Cincinnati Reds have recalled pitcher Edinson Volquez from Class-A Dayton, and he could start Saturday against Pittsburgh in place of Aaron Harang.
The move was made Tuesday before the NL Central leaders played Colorado.
The Reds optioned Volquez to Dayton on Aug. 31 to work on his delivery and control. That opened a roster spot for Harang, activated after missing two months with lower back stiffness.
In his second start Monday since returning to the team, Harang gave up four runs, three walks and four hits in 2 1-3 innings against the Rockies.
Volquez started Monday in Dayton's final game of the season and allowed two earned runs and six hits in six innings with three walks and 10 strikeouts. In two starts for the Dragons, he had no record and a 1.38 ERA in 13 innings.
An All-Star in 2008, Volquez had reconstructive elbow surgery in August 2009 and made it back ahead of schedule, returning to the mound in July.
Dodgers designate Belliard for assignment
SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers have designated infielder Ronnie Belliard for assignment and purchased the contract of outfielder Trent Oeltjen from Triple-A Albuquerque.
Belliard, mostly relegated to the bench this year, was batting just .216 with two homers and 19 RBIs.
Oeltjen is a 27-year-old Australian who is with his fourth organization. He was signed by Milwaukee as a minor league free agent on Dec. 14 and released on July 2 after hitting .301 with eight homers and 38 RBIs in 70 games with Triple-A Nashville.
He was signed by the Dodgers on July 6 and assigned to Albuquerque, where he hit .347 with five homers and 33 RBIs in 49 games.
Oeltjen batted .243 with three homers and four RBIS in 24 games with Arizona in 2009 for his only big league experience.
Cubs activate Silva from DL
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs activated right-hander Carlos Silva from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday and called up five players from Triple-A Iowa.
Silva was activated and start against the Houston Astros on Tuesday night. Silva was placed on the disabled list a day after leaving in the first inning on Aug. 1 in a start against the Colorado Rockies with an abnormal heart rate.
He underwent a surgical procedure called cardiac ablation to correct the problem a week later. Silva is 10-5 with a 3.92 ERA.
The Cubs recalled pitchers Justin Berg, Jeff Samardzija, the former Notre Dame receiver, and outfielder Sam Fuld. The Cubs also purchased the contracts of infielder Bobby Scales and outfielder Brad Snyder from Iowa.
Braves call up relievers Martinez, Kimbrel
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Atlanta Braves have recalled right-handed relievers Cristhian Martinez and Craig Kimbrel from Triple-A Gwinnett.
Kimbrel is with the Braves for the fourth time this season, Martinez for the third time. Kimbrel is 2-0 with a 0.96 ERA in nine games, while Martinez has no record and a 3.05 ERA in 13 games.
With the moves, the Braves are carrying 16 pitchers.
Giants activate RHP Mota, recall 2 from Fresno
PHOENIX (AP) — The San Francisco Giants have activated right-handed reliever Guillermo Mota from the 15-day disabled list and recalled two players from Triple-A Fresno on Tuesday.
Mota (1-3, 4.78 ERA) had been on the DL since Aug. 23 with a sore hip.
Infielder Emmanuel Burriss and outfielder Eugenio Velez were recalled from Fresno. Fresno manager Steve Decker also joined the San Francisco staff for the remainder of the season.
Johnson could miss next start for Marlins
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Marlins pitcher Josh Johnson is going back to Florida to have his shoulder and back checked out.
The All-Star right-hander stopped a bullpen session early on Tuesday because of discomfort in his back. Manager Edwin Rodriguez said the 8-7 loss to the Phillies that Johnson will return home to be examined.
Johnson is 11-6 with a 2.30 ERA. He is 2-3 with a 3.50 ERA since the All-Star break.
