Brewers’ bench coach Murphy rejoins team after heart attack
MILWAUKEE » Milwaukee Brewers bench coach Pat Murphy has rejoined the team just over six weeks after having a heart attack at Miller Park.
Murphy said he was feeling “pretty good” while talking to reporters before the Brewers’ game Friday night against with the Kansas City Royals.
Murphy said he had hoped throughout his recovery he would be back before the end of the season.
“The part you take for granted sometimes until you don’t have it anymore is the connection, being together,” Murphy said. “That’s what it’s all about. That’s why I do it.”
Brewers manager Craig Counsell said Murphy wouldn’t be on the bench Friday but would be before the end of the season.
Murphy will remain with the Brewers for their seven- game road trip that starts Monday and concludes their regular season.
“I’m glad he’s healthy enough to be back, that’s No. 1,” Counsell said. “Then No. 2, he’s a jolt of energy, and we’re all happy to see him. He looks great. It’s great to see him, more than anything.”
The Brewers were practicing infield defense at Miller Park on Aug. 1 when Murphy sat down and said he wasn’t feeling well.
Trainer Rafael Freitas was nearby and escorted Murphy to the clubhouse, where he met with team physician, Dr. Mark Niedfeldt.
Niedfeldt diagnosed the situation and made sure Murphy was taken to a hospital, where the 61year- old received a stent.
Murphy said he “kind of didn’t realize” the gravity of the situation as it was happening.
“Maybe I was just playing it off a little bit, but there’s no heart disease in my family,” Murphy said.
Angels’ Pujols passes Mays for 5th on HR list with No. 661.
ANAHEIM, CALIF. » Los Angeles Angels slugger Albert Pujols passed Willie Mays for fifth place on the career home run list, hitting No. 661 on Friday night against Texas.
The 40- year- old Pujols connected for a solo homer with two outs in the fifth inning. He sent Wes Benjamin’s fastball on a 1- 2 count over the wall in left field.
Pujols has hit five homers this season. He tied Mays last Sunday at Colorado.
It is only Pujols’ second home run since Aug. 4. He now trails only Barry Bonds ( 762), Hank Aaron ( 755), Babe Ruth ( 714) and Alex Rodriguez ( 696).
Pujols has one more season left on his contract with the Angels after this year.
Rays OF Meadows placed on injured list; could miss playoffs.
BALTIMORE » Tampa Bay outfielder Austin Meadows was placed on the 10- day injured list Friday with an oblique strain that will keep him sidelined into the postseason.
The injury occurred while Meadows took a swing in the opener of Thursday’s doubleheader against the Orioles.
The Rays won both games to earn a berth in the AL playoffs, and they’ll need a deep run to get Meadows back in the lineup.
“We’re going to have to play really, really well to see him at any point the rest of the season,” manager Kevin Cash said.
Meadows is batting .205 with four homers and 13 RBIs. Last year he hit .291 with 33 home runs and 89 RBIs, so his bat is always welcome in the Tampa Bay lineup.
“I don’t need to talk about how important Austin is,” Cash said.
To fill the roster spot, Tampa Bay selected left- hander Sean Gilmartin from its alternate site. .