Baseball Briefs ROYALS PUT CLOSER HOLLAND ON DL WITH PECTORAL STRAIN

kansas city, mo.» The Royals placed all-star closer Greg Holland on the 15-day disabled list Saturday because of a strained right pectoral muscle and recalled right-hander Yohan Pino from Triple-A Omaha.

Manager Ned Yost said Wade Davis would close in Holland’s absence.

Holland has four saves this season and has not allowed a hit in four scoreless innings.

“I tried to pitch through it,” Holland said. “The ability to recover each and every day as a reliever is important. For me at this point of the season it’s smarter for me to go on the DL. I just didn’t feel comfortable.”

The Royals also recalled infielder Orlando Calixte from Omaha and sent outfielder Reymond Fuentes to their Triple-A affiliate.

The Orioles put second baseman Jonathan Schoop on the 15-day DL because of a sprained right knee and called up infielder Jimmy Paredes from Double-A Bowie. … Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday, who has hit safely in all 10 games this season, left Saturday’s game against the Reds in the bottom of the first inning because of tightness in his back. He is day to day. … Tigers ace Justin Verlander (strained triceps) won’t pick up a baseball until Sunday after he was more sore than expected two days after throwing 80 pitches. … The Pirates activated Jaff Decker (calf ) from the 15-day DL and optioned the outfielder to Triple-A Indianapolis. The Associated Press