American League notes
Baltimore: 2B Brian Roberts played his first major league game since May 16, 2011, starting in the leadoff spot after coming off the 60-day disabled list. He had been sidelined because of post-concussion complications. IF Steve Tolle
son was optioned to Class AAA Norfolk (Va.).
Boston: OF Marlon Byrd, designated for assignment Saturday, was released. Acquired April 21 from the Cubs for RH reliever Michael Bowden, Byrd batted .270 (27-for-100) with one homer and seven RBI in 34 games for Boston.
Chicago:
LHP John Danks allowed three runs on four hits in four innings Tuesday in a rehab start for Class AAA Charlotte (Fort Mill, S.C.). Danks, out since May 20 because of soreness in the back of his left shoulder, might make one more rehab start before rejoining the White Sox.
Cleveland:
RH reliever Esmil Rogers, designated for assignment by Colorado on Saturday, was acquired by the Indians in a cash transaction. Rogers was 0-2 with an 8.06 ERA in 23 appearances for the Rockies this season. He wasn’t immediately added to the roster.
Detroit:
RH reliever Octavio Dotel, who hasn’t pitched since June 2 because of right elbow inflammation, was placed on the DL. RH reliever Luke Putkonen was recalled from Class AAA Toledo (Ohio), where he was 2-2 with a 3.32 ERA in 11 appearances. Putkonen went 0-2 with an 8.59 ERA in six games with Detroit earlier this season.
Kansas City:
2B Chris Getz was activated off the DL and inserted into the starting lineup, batting second. Getz had been out since May 22 with a bruised left rib cage. 2B
Johnny Giavotella, who hit .217 with three doubles and six RBI in 21 games, was optioned to Class AAA Omaha (Papillion, Neb.).
Los Angeles:
RH Jered Weaver threw 30 pitches halfway up the slope of the mound Monday and is scheduled to throw a simulated game this weekend. Weaver has had no recurrence of the back pain that
landed him on the DL on May 29, and he could be ready to rejoin the rotation next week.
Minnesota: OF Byron Buxton, the second overall pick in last week’s draft, participated in batting practice with the Twins. He took a physical and is close to finalizing a contract agreement.
New York: LF Brett Gardner visited James Andrews, though he declined to say what the orthopedist found in his strained right elbow. Gardner will get another opinion from orthopedist Timothy Kremchek in Cincinnati on Thursday, after which the Yankees will give an update on his status.
Oakland: RH Graham Godfrey, who opened the season in the rotation, didn’t pitch well for the Athletics, but he has been stellar at Class AAA. He went 0-4 with a 6.43 ERA in five games over two stints with Oakland, but he’s 5-0 with a 1.05 ERA in eight starts for Sacramento (West Sacramento, Calif.).
Seattle: Manager Eric Wedge had
said he was considering moving RH reliever Brandon League back into the closer role, but that was before League struggled Sunday, allowing four hits and two runs in one inning.
Tampa Bay: Hideki Matsui, who hadn’t started any of the previous four games, was in the lineup as the designated hitter on his 38th birthday. “I would be absolutely vilified in Tokyo if I did not play him today,” manager Joe Maddon said.
Texas:
LHP Michael Kirkman was recalled and might join the rotation after going 5-1 with a 5.25 ERA in 15 games (eight starts) for Class AAA Round Rock (Texas).
Toronto: DH Vladimir Guerrero, 37, asked for and received his release from his minor league contract. Guerrero thought he was ready for the majors after hitting a combined .358 (19-for-53) in four games for high-A Dunedin (Fla.) and eight for Class AAA Las Vegas, but the Blue Jays disagreed.