Astros triple their fun

DETROIT — The Houston Astros turned their first triple-play since 2004, pulling the feat on a grounder by Detroit’s Ian Kinsler

The Tigers had runners on first and second and had already scored a run in the fifth inning Saturday when Kinsler hit a grounder to third. Jonathan Villar stepped on the bag and threw to second, where Jose Altuve relayed the ball to first.

Houston’s defence was actually a big reason the Astros were in the jam in the first place. Jose Iglesias beat out an infield single when pitcher Lance McCullers didn’t cover first, and Altuve threw the ball away on what could have been a double-play grounder by Anthony Gose. Houston won the game 3-2

Hamilton nearing return

ROUND ROCK, TEXAS — Josh Hamilton has been picking up the pace in his minor league rehab and is closer to his first game back with the Texas Rangers. The 2010 AL MVP could join the Rangers as early as Monday for the start of a three-game series at Cleveland. Hamilton said he is happy with how he feels after off-season shoulder surgery and his own version of spring training. The Rangers reacquired him in a trade from the Los Angeles Angels on April 27.

Konerko number retired

CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox retired Paul Konerko’s No. 14 jersey Saturday before their game against the Minnesota Twins.

The fans chanted “Paulie! Paulie!” as Konerko entered from the centre-field fence and walked through the outfield grass to home plate. He then watched as his family counted down the unveiling of his number on the facade above home plate. Konerko established himself as one of the top sluggers in White Sox history and helped them end a championship drought that lasted nearly nine decades. He joined greats such as Hall of Famer Frank Thomas, Minnie Minoso, Luis Aparicio, Carlton Fisk and Harold Baines as the 11th player to have his number retired by the White Sox. That includes Jackie Robinson, whose No. 42 was retired by Major League Baseball in 1997.