Twins rookie pitcher likely to go on DL
By TIMES WIRES
Published August 9, 2006
MINNEAPOLIS - Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said there is a "99.999" percent chance pitcher Francisco Liriano will go on the disabled list.
Liriano, 12-3 with a league-leading 2.19 ERA as a rookie, missed a start Aug. 2 with inflammation in his left forearm. He returned Monday but allowed four runs and a season-high 10 hits in four innings, saying afterward the pain was worse and moved toward his elbow.
Liriano is scheduled to have "an extensive, advanced MRI" on Thursday.
In preparation, the Twins purchased the contract of right-hander Matt Garza from Triple A. Their first-round pick in 2005 started the season at Class A and was 3-1 with a 1.85 ERA and 33 strikeouts in five starts at Triple A.
INJURY DISPUTE: Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky wants to know why he was not told about reliever Gary Majewski's sore shoulder when he was acquired from Washington. He went on the DL on Monday and said his shoulder has bothered him since spring training. Krivsky said he left a message with Nationals (and former Reds) GM Jim Bowden but hadn't heard back.
Later, Bowden issued a statement saying he was "disappointed" by Krivsky's statement, adding, "Our organization is always forthright honest in any transaction we make." He also said he got neither a call nor message from Krivsky and tried but failed to reach him. Krivsky sidestepped questions about filing a grievance.
BRAVES: Left-hander Horacio Ramirez has a partially torn ligament in his left middle finger, and manager Bobby Cox said there's a "good chance" he is out for the year. Ramirez, 5-5 with a 4.48 ERA, is scheduled to be seen by a hand specialist today. Also, third baseman Chipper Jones, out with a strained oblique, will start a rehab assignment at Double A this weekend.
BREWERS: Ben Sheets expects to make his next start despite a strained chest muscle. The right-hander, 2-4 with a 4.71 ERA, left Saturday in the first. He will be moved back a day to Saturday with Chris Capuano starting in his spot.
INDIANS: Pitcher Cliff Lee signed a three-year, $14-million extension. The left-hander, 27, is 9-8 with a 4.75 ERA in a team-high 33 starts. Also, first baseman Casey Blake, hitting .310 with 16 homers, went on the DL with a sprained right ankle sustained Saturday while scrambling back to second on a lineout.
MARLINS: Manager Joe Girardi said there's no rift between him and owner Jeffrey Loria. He responded to questions about reports the two argued Sunday, when Girardi closed the clubhouse for nearly 90 minutes after a loss. Loria was in the clubhouse much of that time.
METS: Catcher Paul Lo Duca said he bets legally on horses but denied he has a gambling problem. The Daily News reported he had significant debts and the team was aware. Also, outfielder Ricky Ledee was claimed off waivers. He was hitting .245 with a homer and eight RBIs in 43 games for the Dodgers.
ROYALS: First baseman Mike Sweeney was activated after missing 88 games with a bulging disc in his back.
YANKEES: Second baseman Robinson Cano was activated from the DL and infielder Miguel Cairo put on with a strained left hamstring sustained Saturday. Cano, hitting .325 with four homers and 27 RBIs, missed 34 games with a sore hamstring. Also, ground will be broken for a new stadium Aug. 16. The team hopes to begin play at the 53,000-seat park, projected to cost $800-million and be adjacent to the current stadium, in 2009.
SUSPENSION: Yankees minor-league pitcher Daniel McCutchen was suspended for 50 games for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. The right-hander is 1-0 with a save and 2.14 ERA for Class A Charleston.
- TIMES WIRES