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Clips (May 29, 2012)

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FROM THE LOS ANGELES TIMES

Mark Trumbo's walk-off homer delivers Angels' seventh win in a row

Howie Kendrick and Kendrys Morales each drive in three runs a 9-8 victory over the New York Yankees. Jered Weaver exits in first inning because of a back injury.

By Kevin Baxter

11:05 PM PDT, May 28, 2012

On the night the Angels got their heart and soul back, they may have wound up losing their best arm.

What they didn't lose was the game, rallying for a 9-8 victory over the New York Yankees on Mark Trumbo's walk-off home run leading off the ninth inning Monday. That ran the team's winning streak to seven games in a row, its longest since July 2009, and lifted it to .500 for the first time since the season's opening week.

But it may prove to be a costly loss because, with Torii Hunter watching from the dugout for the first time in two weeks, ace Jered Weaver hobbled off the mound after 12 pitches because of a lower-back injury.

"I never felt anything like that before. It felt like somebody stabbed me in the back," Weaver said. "You can't really do much about it. It's very disappointing."

Weaver, who was still in pain after the game despite taking muscle relaxants, said he will have an MRI exam Tuesday.

"I guess I don't really have any answers right now," he said. "I just have to wait for the MRI and X-rays to come back. So we'll keep our fingers crossed."

Even if Weaver avoids the disabled list, the team is almost certain to make a move Tuesday after watching its bullpen throw 23 innings in the last week.

"We're going to look at a couple of things now and tonight and tomorrow and see what we need to do," Manager Mike Scioscia said.

Weaver has been on the DL once in his six-year career, missing two starts in 2007 because of biceps tendinitis. He began Monday tied for second in the American League in wins (six) and third in earned-run average (2.61).

And in his last home start he pitched a no-hitter.

This time he didn't retire a batter, giving up two singles before Alex Rodriguez knocked in the Yankees' first run with a sharply hit grounder that shortstop Erick Aybar misplayed. Then, after throwing a 1-and-0 fastball for a strike to Robinson Cano, Weaver May 29, 2012 Page 3 of 87

bounced off the mound in pain.

After taking a few moments to gather himself, Weaver tried to throw a warm-up pitch. But as the ball floated to the plate Weaver again felt pain before storming toward the dugout.

Too bad Weaver couldn't stick around for the rest of the 3-hour 38-minute game because it was a doozy, featuring 25 hits, four errors, four home runs and nine pitching changes. And the crowd of 44,016 that saw it marked only the second sellout of the season for the Angels.

Neither side went down in order until the eighth, when Jordan Walden got the Yankees on 10 pitches, striking out two. He escaped a bases-loaded jam in the ninth, getting six outs for the first time in his career, and then was rewarded with the win when Trumbo ended it in the bottom of the inning with a home run inside the foul pole in left field for his team-leading eighth home run.

The Yankees took a 3-0 lead in the first, batted around against Weaver and reliever Bobby Cassevah, but the Angels came right back in the bottom of the first, scoring four times, including a two-run single to center field by Howie Kendrick.

After Curtis Granderson tied the score in the second with a home run, Kendrick put the Angels in front with a third-inning sacrifice fly.

The teams traded runs again in the middle innings on homers by Mike Trout and Mark Teixeira. Then after Kendrys Morales' two-run double in the sixth appeared to give the Angels some breathing room, the Yankees came back to tie it again in the seventh on a two-out, two-strike, two-run double by Russell Martin.

Torii Hunter returns to Angels

Outfielder is back with the club after spending more than two weeks at home in Texas to deal with sexual assault charges against son. He hopes to be in the lineup by Tuesday.

By Kevin Baxter

Torii Hunter was back in uniform and in the Angels' clubhouse Monday for the first time in more than two weeks. But getting him back in the lineup could take another day or two.

"I'll be in there tomorrow, hopefully," said Hunter, who remains on the restricted list. May 29, 2012 Page 4 of 87

"We're still trying to see how I feel after these workouts today."

Hunter had been with his family in the Dallas suburb of Prosper since May 14, when his son Darius McClinton-Hunter, a high school junior, was arrested and charged with sexual assault.

"This is my son. This is my blood. For him to go through this and watch him cry every night, it's pretty tough," Hunter said. "I don't wish this on any father out there."

Hunter, speaking about the case publicly for the first time, was unable to go into detail. But last week defense attorneys said they have evidence backing an account that the teenage girl has retracted her accusation.

"We're hopeful that it doesn't even go to court because we feel that there's no case," Hunter said.

"I have to let the justice system play its part and let my attorneys do what they have to do. But we're ready to go to court no matter what."

If the case is litigated, Hunter said he would return to Texas. But he knew it was time to rejoin the Angels when he took his son to see "The Avengers" on Friday and the boy laughed for the first time in two weeks.

"My family, they all seemed like they were a lot better," said Hunter, who also thanked the Angels for their support during the ordeal. "My wife can handle the situation. My attorneys can handle the situation. My three boys, they were very upbeat.

"Through all this stuff, my family and I, we got a little closer. And we were able to talk a lot."

Hunter did make one brief appearance on the field on Memorial Day, catching the first pitch from Oscar Jimenez, the son of a Marine lieutenant killed in Iraq eight years ago.

Hiroki Kuroda is at home on the road

With the New York Yankees making their only regular-season visit to Southern California, former Dodgers pitcher Hiroki Kuroda got to spend time with his wife and two school-age daughters at the family's West Los Angeles home. And although he welcomed that, he said he has no regrets about leaving the Dodgers after four seasons to sign a free-agent contract with the Yankees.

"It's a team with great players and a great history, just like the Dodgers. A great team," Kuroda, speaking through interpreter Kenji Nimura, said of New York. "I like playing there."

Kuroda, who is 4-6 with a 3.96 earned-run average in 10 starts, said his agent remained in contact with the Dodgers last winter, but when the team didn't make a formal offer by early January, he accepted a one-year, $10-million deal with New York. May 29, 2012 Page 5 of 87

Medical report

Of the four Angels on the disabled list, reliever LaTroy Hawkins is the closest to returning, Manager Mike Scioscia said. Hawkins, who fractured the little finger on his pitching hand three weeks ago, has been throwing bullpen sessions and the Angels said he may pitch in a minor league game this week.

Outfielder Ryan Langerhans (separated right shoulder) played light catch Monday, but outfielder Vernon Wells (surgery on right thumb) and catcher Chris Iannetta (fractured right wrist) are probably weeks away from resuming baseball activities.

Bobby Abreu's switch from Angels to Dodgers is a hit

Released by the Angels, Abreu helps fill a void in the Dodgers' outfield after injuries to Matt Kemp and Juan Rivera. In 22 games with the Dodgers, Abreu is batting .339.

Bill Dwyre

10:50 PM PDT, May 28, 2012

The story of Bobby Abreu's 2012 baseball season is one of those "go figure" things.

There he was, on this Memorial Day Monday, dressed in Dodger blue, patrolling left field in Dodger Stadium and batting third. When he made his way to the plate in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers, the scoreboard said he was hitting .327.

So much has changed. He even did the unthinkable. He swung at the first pitch, which he does about 10 times a year.

Abreu spent the last three seasons, and the beginning of this one, 20 miles down the freeway at Angel Stadium. He was as far from Dodger blue as the color red. He had been a mainstay for the other team with the Los Angeles tag, the team expected to hit the ground running with the addition of Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson and give the powerful Texas Rangers a powerful run for their money.

This was also to be the season the Angels took over another chunk of the Los Angeles fan base. They were to be the Southern California noisemakers and the Dodgers were going to be limping back to respectability, new ownership finally in place.

It hasn't worked out that way, at least not so far.

As Abreu stepped to the plate in the first inning, the Dodgers had the best record in May 29, 2012 Page 6 of 87

baseball and the Angels were scrambling to get to .500.

Who knew? Figuring out baseball is like finding the meaning in a Yogi Berra quote.

April 27 was a day Abreu will long remember. The Angels were slipping from bad to dreadful and the pressure was on Manager Mike Scioscia and General Manager Jerry Dipoto to do something.

Anything.

The normally patient, docile Angels faithful no longer were. Fans were ranting, columnists were ripping and the old saw about the baseball season being a marathon and not a sprint was no longer cutting it. The Angels had an excess of outfielders, including Abreu. But the real noise was about the one who wasn't even there, young superstar-in- waiting Mike Trout, who was hitting triple-A pitching as if it were tee ball.

The plea came from all corners. How can you keep him down on the farm when ... ?

Abreu was summoned.

"I had a good talk with Mike and Jerry," Abreu said Monday. "They had to go with the young guys. It's a business. I understand that."

Those are the cliches, the boilerplate answers. The reality was much tougher.

Abreu was in his 17th season. He has numbers that will eventually get him Hall of Fame votes. He says one of his goals now is to "keep adding to the numbers." The oft-noted statistic that seems to set him above many of the rest is that he is one of four players to have at least 500 doubles, 250 home runs and 350 stolen bases. The others are Barry Bonds, Craig Biggio and Rickey Henderson. Fast company.

So when you are 38, in the last year of your contract and are being released from a team that, at that point, had a team batting average around .220 — Abreu himself was at .208 in only eight games — you swallow hard and wonder.

"This was the first time I'd ever gone through this, first time I was released." Abreu said. "You kind of say, 'Wow.' Ninety percent of your thoughts are negative."

Are they right? Was this the end? Was his next trip home to Venezuela?

"You realize you're not the same as you were when you were in your 20s," he said.

"I just went back to my hotel and thought about it. You ask yourself if you can still do some damage."

He talked to his agent, got calls from Angels teammates Maicer Izturis, Ervin Santana and Torii Hunter, and waited.

May 29, 2012 Page 7 of 87

"Not much fun," he said.

Within a day, his agent's calls started to be returned. There was interest, not just one team, but several.

"Now, your thoughts are 90% positive," Abreu said.

The Dodgers felt right, for several reasons, including a familiarity with Manager Don Mattingly. Abreu had been a New York Yankee for two seasons when Mattingly was a Yankees coach. So he signed on with the Blue, expecting to get an occasional day in the outfield and provide a left-handed bat off the bench. Then Matt Kemp and Juan Rivera went down with injuries and Abreu was a pulling a regular shift in left field.

In Anaheim, where they seemed to have more outfielders than Carter had little liver pills, Vernon Wells injured his thumb, Hunter had to leave the team when his son was accused of sexual assault back in Texas and triple-A call-up Ryan Langerhans crashed into the wall and hurt his shoulder. The Angels were left with second baseman Howie Kendrick in left field in an extra-inning game and Kendrick bobbled the hit that allowed the winning run to score.

Outfield feast became famine on Los Angeles' two baseball teams. And there was Abreu.

Mattingly said he needed to make no push with General Manager Ned Colletti.

"We saw when he got released," Mattingly said. "We knew, Bobby Abreu is out there. The timing couldn't have been better for us."

The Angels are paying all but about $400,000 of Abreu's $9-million contract, in its final year.

Monday night, in the Brewers' 3-2 victory, Abreu was two for four, raised his average with the Dodgers to .339, robbed Ryan Braun of a hit with a sliding catch, stole a base and scored a run.

When Elian Herrera struck out with a runner in scoring position and two out in the ninth, Abreu was in the on-deck circle.

The way fortunes have turned for Abreu in just a few weeks, the Brewers should count their blessings they left him there.

May 29, 2012 Page 8 of 87

FROM THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Trumbo's heroics mask Weaver's pain

Angels: Trumbo lifts the Angels back to .500 with a seventh consecutive victory.

By MARCIA C. SMITH / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

ANAHEIM - Mark Trumbo clobbered a game-ending home run over the left-field wall in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Angels a 9-8 victory over the New York Yankees on Monday night at Angel Stadium. Their seventh consecutive victory brings their record to .500 (25-25) for the first time since April 10 when they were 2-2. But the glory was tempered by the loss off Angels ace right-hander Jered Weaver just 12 pitches into the game because of a lower-back injury. “I planted, and it (the pain) came through as I released the ball and it felt like someone stabbed me in the back,” said Weaver, who gave up three unearned runs on two hits in the first inning. “The story shouldn't be about that; it should be about how everybody picked me up and how everybody picked everybody up.” The Angels recovered from a 3-0 deficit and the deflating loss of a Weaver with four runs — their most in the first inning this season — on five hits to take a 4-3 first-inning lead. The Yankees' Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixeira and the Angels' Mike Trout hit solo home runs before the sixth inning. Angels designated hitter Kendrys Morales roped a David Phelps curveball into left field for a two-run double that gave the Angels an 8-5 lead in the sixth. But the Yankees capitalized on the Angels' shaky bullpen in the seventh, loading the bases on David Carpenter and tying the score, 8-8, with veteran Jason Isringhausen on the mound. Jordan Walden, the Angels' fifth reliever of the night, gave up a leadoff single to Teixeira, a two-out walk to Eric Chavez and a two-out single to Russell Martin to load the bases for Derek Jeter in the ninth. Jeter grounded into a force out and Walden escaped. That set the stage for Trumbo, who jumped on a changeup from Yankees reliever Cory Wade (0-1).

May 29, 2012 Page 9 of 87

Hunter rejoins the Angels

By MARCIA C. SMITH / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

ANAHEIM - Angels right fielder Torii Hunter, the team’s emotional leader, rejoined his team Monday after a 14-game absence to help his son, Darius McClinton-Hunter, 17, deal with a sexual-assault charge in their Prosper, Texas, hometown. Hunter, 36, wasn’t his typically excitable, ebullient self but rather a solemn and concerned father when spoke about the continuing legal ordeal with reporters in the dugout before Monday night’s game against the New York Yankees at Angel Stadium. He was not in Monday’s lineup but might return as soon as Tuesday, depending on Angels manager Mike Scioscia’s assessment of Hunter’s performance in pre-game workouts on Monday and Tuesday. He has not been activated since being placed on the restricted list on May 14, when he left the team to fly home. “During the (baseball) season, this is probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever been through because this is my son, my blood,” Hunter said. “To watch him (Darius) go through this and watch him cry every night, it’s pretty tough. I don’t wish this on any father out there.” As soon as Hunter was informed that his son, a Prosper High football standout, had been one of five people arrested in connection with an alleged sexual-assault of a 16-year-old girl, Hunter went to Scioscia and said, “I’ve got to go.” “If I’m going to call myself the ‘Head of the Household,’ I should be there for my family when they need me,…” said Hunter, who has four teenage sons. “I sacrificed a lot for baseball. Why not sacrifice for my family?… I’ll sacrifice everything. If I had to give up this game for my family, I would.” Hunter remains confident that the charge against Darius will be dropped by the Collin County district attorney “hopefully in the coming week or soon,” he said. Defense attorneys for Darius last week gave Prosper police and prosecutors an audio recording and other evidence to support their claim that the accuser has recanted her account of any alleged assault involving Hunter’s son. “It (the case) was tough on him (Darius) for the first week,” Hunter said. “He was disappointed, embarrassed. His name has been out there… for sexual assault. I had to stay there to make sure he was okay.” While away, Hunter has tried to stay in shape, doing 10-15 40-yard dashes every morning, hitting off the tee, getting in his home batting cage and taking live batting practice from his son, Torii Jr. He also watched the Angels go 9-5 without him, including winning their past six games. He felt compelled to return on May 20 after outfielders Vernon Wells (right thumb) and Ryan Langerhans (separated right shoulder) were both injured in a 13-inning loss to the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. May 29, 2012 Page 10 of 87

“I’m like, ‘Man, I got to get back,’” Hunter recalled telling his wife, Katrina, as he watched Langerhans leave the game. “She said, ‘You can’t leave me with all this.’ They really needed me. I saw my boys. They were depressed and down. I couldn’t leave my household like that.” Hunter stayed until this past Sunday, a day after he saw his son yield to a rare smile and laughter. They had gone to the movies to see “The Avengers.” They had gone to church. “Through all this stuff, we all got a little closer. We were able to talk a lot,” he said. “The last couple of days it seemed like they (my sons) were doing a lot better, and it seemed like they can handle it.” Hunter expressed his gratitude to his fans who said they prayed for him, to Scioscia who checked on him almost every day, to the Angels who “allowed me to be with my family.” He has returned to his shelter of baseball. “This is my safe haven,” Hunter said. “When I come out here for three hours, I don’t have to think about anything… except winning and playing the game.” TODAY RHP Dan Haren (2-5, 3.76 ERA) opposes Yankees LHP Andy Pettitte (2-1, 2.53) at 7:05 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports Net, KLAA/830 and KWKW/1330 (Spanish).

Angels honor military on Memorial Day

May 29th, 2012, 7:53 am by MARCIA C. SMITH/THE REGISTER

The Angels honored active military personnel, veterans and their families during Monday night’s game against the New York Yankees at Angel Stadium as part of their Memorial Day festivities.

Before the game, a 150×300-foot flag was unfurled across the outfield with the help of volunteers, including some soldiers. Four F-16 jets performed a flyover during the national anthem.

A U.S. Marine Corps banner was hung in the Angels dugout. Angels right fielder Torii Hunter came out to catch the first pitch from a young boy named Oscar, one of three children of U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Oscar Jimenez.

On Easter Sunday 2003, Jimenez was commanding a seven-vehicle convoy near the edge of Fallouja, in Al Anbar province, when the convoy slowed for a girl leading a herd of cattle across the highway. That’s when dozens of gunmen opened fire from behind the tall grass and surrounding buildings. May 29, 2012 Page 11 of 87

Jimenez, 34, was killed. He is survived by his wife, Alejandrina; daughter, Vanessa; and two sons, Oscar and Christopher. The family stood beside the mound as Oscar threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Jimenez has participated in the first U.S. invasion of Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. He served during operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. From 1993 to 2001, he was in the Marine Corps Reserve before becoming a commissioned officer in August 2001. Then in 2003, the San Diego resident returned as coalition forces deposed Saddam Hussein.

In February 2003, he was deployed to Iraq for a third time as a member of the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Trumbo’s HR sets off fireworks

May 29th, 2012, 7:26 am by MARCIA C. SMITH/THE REGISTER

Mark Trumbo belted a 1-1 changeup from New York Yankees right-handed reliever Cory Wade over the left field wall, just right of the foul pole, for the walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth on Monday night.

The fireworks were launched from the rockpile in left center field at Angel Stadium as the Angels won, 9-8.

Trumbo pointed at the sky, pumped his fist and slapped hands with third base coach Dino Ebel as he rounded the bases.

The Angels, knowing what happened last time Kendrys Morales had a walk-off home run in 2009, gathered around home but were careful to leave the plate open and visible. Then they piled on Trumbo (Villa Park High), who had another monster night.

Trumbo said he hoped that this victory would be a “breakout game” for the Angels (25- 25) who returned to .500 for the first time since April 10.

This was a back-and-forth game in which both teams combined to post 25 hits (four home runs) and use nine relievers. The Angels got the victory despite losing ace Jered Weaver (lower-back injury) in the first inning, allowing six walks and committing three errors.

“I love the way we came back in that first inning,” said Trumbo, about the Angels’ four- run recovery to take a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the first inning. “That was the turning point for me. It showed some fight, and they realized they were going to be in for a scrap today.” May 29, 2012 Page 12 of 87

Some notes about Trumbo:

Trumbo has been familiar with Wade’s pitching since 2005 in the minors.

Trumbo was one single short of hitting for the cycle on Monday night. He went 3 for 5 with a first-inning ground-rule double over the right field wall, a third-inning triple to deep right center field that had center fielder Curtis Granderson and right field Nick Swisher colliding in the warning track and the home run in the ninth.

In May, Trumbo is batting .347 (35 for 101) with 10 doubles, five home runs and 14 RBI.

Trumbo provided the first walk-off victory for the Angels this season.

His eighth home run of the season wasn’t his first walk-off home run. He powered the Angels to their last walk-off home run victory on Aug. 18, 2011 against Texas.

This was the Angels’ first walk-off home run against the New York Yankees since Tim Salmon’s blast off Jim Abbott on April 28, 1993.

What was up with ESPN’s Weaver headline?

May 29th, 2012, 7:16 am by LANDON HALL, OCREGISTER.COM

Even as the Angels were rallying to beat the Yankees 9-8 Monday night, Halos fans were unleashing their rage at ESPN for what they perceived as a cruel slap at Jered Weaver.

The Angels’ ace left the game in the first inning after injuring his back, and a headline on an ESPN online platform read “Things are looking up,” with details about Weaver’s injury in a smaller, separate headline (a “subhed” in the journalism biz) below.

Angels fans fumed about the headline for the rest of the game on Twitter, citing it as clear evidence of pro-Yankees bias. ESPN is based in Bristol, Conn., an easy commuter-rail ride away from New York City. Other members of the #AngelsFamily want an on-air apology from ESPN, while others are talking boycott.

We’re not entirely sure where the headline came from, or even how many people viewed it. The image at right, which was tweeted and retweeted by seething Angels faithful all night, appears to have come from ESPN’s mobile platform.

But I’m willing to chalk this up to a dumb mistake on an editor’s part. Which wouldn’t be the first one for the sports media empire.

Also, ESPN.com uses the not-terribly-original “Things are looking up” construction often. So it’s possible an earlier story based out of Anaheim about how “things are May 29, 2012 Page 13 of 87

looking up” for the Angels (who now have a seven-game winning streak) could have run, and when Weave threw out his back the story got updated, but not the main headline.

Buy that? We didn’t think so.

We’ll let you know if ESPN issues an explanation for the headline.

FROM ESPNLA.COM

Jered Weaver (back) leaves early

By Mark Saxon ESPNLosAngeles.com

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Los Angeles Angels ace Jered Weaver left his start against the New York Yankees in the first inning Monday night after only 12 pitches and failing to record an out.

The Angels announced Weaver suffered a lower-back injury.

They later said they will wait until Weaver undergoes an MRI and X-rays Tuesday before deciding whether they will put him on the 15-day disabled list, but the All-Star right- hander said he was still in considerable pain nearly four hours after leaving the game, even after team doctors administered muscle relaxers.

"I've never felt anything like that before. It felt like somebody stabbed me in the back," Weaver said. "I couldn't really do much about it. It's very disappointing. You get motivated for games like this."

Weaver made a 1-0 pitch to Robinson Cano and bent over in apparent pain.

He attempted to complete a warm-up pitch but could barely get the ball to home plate. He limped off the field, accompanied by manager Mike Scioscia.

"We're going to look at a couple of things and see what we need to do," said Scioscia, who exhausted most of his bullpen as the Angels hung on to beat the Yankees 9-8 for their seventh straight win. "He's stiff now, but we'll have the exams tomorrow and make a decision."

Weaver stood awkwardly in front of his locker after the game. May 29, 2012 Page 14 of 87

"I can't really bend over too much," he said. "I tried to throw that second pitch, but there was no way. The way the team is playing right now, I'm one of the guys that wants to be out there."

Weaver (6-1) was making his first appearance at Angel Stadium since his May 2 no-hitter against the Minnesota Twins. He is 4-0 with an 0.83 ERA at home this season.

New York's first three hitters all reached base against Weaver, two on hits and the other on Erick Aybar's error.

Weaver began the night 6-1 with a 2.61 ERA, second in the AL in victories. Any extended absence could be disastrous for the Angels, whose touted starting rotation hasn't been impressive beyond Weaver's steady play.

Weaver went 18-8 with a 2.41 ERA last season, making his second All-Star team and finishing second in the AL Cy Young Award voting after leading the majors with 233 strikeouts in 2010. He has been every bit as good this year, giving up just three runs and six hits in 15 innings during his two previous starts before facing the Yankees.

Derek Jeter led off with a single against Weaver. He advanced to second on Curtis Granderson's single and then scored when Aybar booted Alex Rodriguez's grounder.

After Weaver left, reliever Bobby Cassevah struck out Cano but walked Mark Teixeira and allowed Raul Ibanez's sacrifice fly. Rodriguez scored another Yankees run when Cassevah made a poor throw to first base, allowing Nick Swisher to reach.

Cassevah retired Russell Martin on a bases-loaded flyout to end the inning with the Angels down 3-0.

Cassevah pitched 3 1/3 innings before Hisanori Takahashi, David Carpenter and Jason Isringhausen came on.

Jordan Walden pitched two innings of scoreless relief and got the win after Mark Trumbo's game-ending homer in the ninth.

The Angels were returning from a 10-game road trip on a six-game winning streak, while the Yankees had won five in a row.

May 29, 2012 Page 15 of 87

Angels' resilience starting to show

By Mark Saxon ESPNLosAngeles.com

ANAHEIM -- It's perfectly emblematic of the way this season has gone: Every time something good starts to happen, something bad dims the vibe.

Just as the Los Angeles Angels look ready, finally, to take off -- riding a season-long seven-game winning streak, the offense stirring awake -- they have to deal with the very real, very worrisome possibility that Jered Weaver is headed for the disabled list.

On the other hand, this is nothing like the way their season has gone.

Just as the Angels appeared to be sinking under the weight of expectations, floundering for six miserable weeks, you could see little shoots of hope springing up in the last couple of weeks. There were better at-bats, Albert Pujols was no longer disguising himself as the worst hitter in the league and a touched-up bullpen was ramping up its confidence by the game.

But in Monday night's 9-8 win over the New York Yankees -- in which Mark Trumbo gave some worried fans a good-night pat on the head with a walk-off home run -- the Angels showed some traits that have been missing all year. For one thing, they fought.

After Weaver left the game 12 pitches into it with severe lower-back pain, the Angels brushed off a 3-0 deficit with four of their own in the first. A couple of weeks ago, being down by three would have felt like they were struggling to get to base camp on Everest.

As the game dragged along -- emphasis on dragged -- the Angels answered every time the Yankees pushed them. The bullpen bent and nearly broke, but didn't quite. In the clutch situations, some key run producers came through.

So, while Tuesday will be an anxious one for the Angels front office and manager Mike Scioscia as they await MRI and X-ray results on Weaver's back, the mood in the clubhouse will be as upbeat as it has been since Opening Night.

Maybe the news from Weaver's doctor visit will change all that, but then again, maybe it won't. Weaver advised the reporters gathered at his locker after the game that they shouldn't focus their stories on the injury.

"It should be about how everybody picked me up and picked each other up today," Weaver said.

The Angels are .500 for the first time since game No. 4. It's not exactly where everyone expected them to be, but it's also far from buried with June creeping up on them. And, for the first time since an encouraging spring training bled into a brutal April, these guys are playing like -- if not a juggernaut -- at least a team. May 29, 2012 Page 16 of 87

Every question isn't about Pujols' struggles. Every one of Scioscia's in-game decisions isn't picked apart with surgical tools.

"I'm super proud of the way our guys came and battled," Trumbo said.

None of which should obscure the fact that Weaver would be a colossal loss. He's one of the best pitchers in baseball, probably Top 5. He has been as durable as he has been good -- just one stint on the disabled list since he came up in 2006 -- and he's the heart and soul of a very good pitching staff. His previous pitch at Angel Stadium before his opening offer to Derek Jeter Monday had capped his May 2 no-hitter against the Minnesota Twins.

Like that, 11 pitches later, he's walking off the field, yelling and clutching his lower back. He said it felt like someone stabbed him.

"It's pretty painful. I can't really bend over too much," Weaver said. "The muscle relaxer's helping a little bit, but like I said I've never had something like that happen before and it's pretty painful."

If Weaver goes on the DL, the Angels will pick through some less-than-thrilling choices at Triple-A. Their best pitching prospect, Garrett Richards, had a nice spring and started strong, but has been getting hit around the PCL in May. Soft-tossing lefty Brad Mills might get the call, too.

"We have some arms down there that we'll consider," said Angels manager Mike Scioscia, sounding every bit as enthusiastic as you might think.

They might even send some scouts to take a long look at Roy Oswalt.

But none of the pitchers they can rush into a uniform will give them the rare combination of fire and consistency Weaver brought. So, for now, they're left to count on each other and -- as it stands right now -- there are worse problems to have.

May 29, 2012 Page 17 of 87

3 Up, 3 Down: Angels 9, Yankees 8

By Mark Saxon

ANAHEIM -- The Angels evening started on an ominous note when Jered Weaver had to exit the game in the first inning with a back injury, but -- nearly four hours later -- it ended in jubilation with Mark Trumbo's walk-off home run that gave the Angels a 9-8 win over the New York Yankees.

The win was the Angels' seventh in a row and got them back to .500 for the first time since they were 2-2 on April 9.

The Good:

Mr. May. The Angels wouldn't be .500 today without Trumbo's torrid bat carrying them back to this point. He leads the Angels in on-base percentage, slugging percentage and home runs (eight). Trumbo finished a single shy of the cycle while going 3-for-5, driving in two runs and scoring two. When Torii Hunter returns (probably Tuesday), the Angels will be forced to find a position for Trumbo once again, but he's not here for his glove.

Productive again. Before Sunday, Kendrys Morales had driven in one run in his last 12 games. Now, he's driven in five in the last two. Especially if Albert Pujols (2-for-4, walk) is going to continue getting on base, Morales is a key figure in this lineup. He jumped on David Phelps' first pitch and drove it into the left-center gap to drive in two runs in the sixth. It looked like the go-ahead runs until the Yankees tied it the next inning.

Rookie presence. It's hard to tell that Mike Trout is the youngest player on the field every game the Angels play. He has been the steadiest producer all month. Since those first few shaky days after he was recalled from Triple-A, Trout has been machine-like, batting .333 this month with five home runs, 20 runs scored and 15 RBIs.

May 29, 2012 Page 18 of 87

The Bad:

Big blow. To pitch well, you've got to stay healthy and, despite some minor ailments over the years, Weaver generally has done that. His one trip to the disabled list came at the start of the 2007 season for biceps tendinitis. If the Angels lose Weaver for more than a couple of weeks, they could lose much of the momentum they've built up over this little stretch.

Alternatives. Losing one of the best pitchers in the game is always a huge blow, but Jered Weaver's back injury is a little harder to absorb because of scant options at hand. The next starter on the Angels' depth chart, Garrett Richards, is in a bit of a slump after a strong start to his season at Triple-A. Richards, who nearly won the Angels' fifth starter job in spring training, has given up four runs or more in four of his last six starts.

Aybar's slump. The lack of offensive production isn't the most worrisome thing about Erick Aybar's early-season funk. The Angels' Gold Glove shortstop hasn't been playing like one. He booted a sharply hit grounder by Alex Rodriguez for his fifth error (He had 13 all of last year) and made a high throw in the fourth that went down as an error on Albert Pujols. The Angels (three errors) played brutally bad defense in general Monday night. The shortstop set the tone.

May 29, 2012 Page 19 of 87

Torii Hunter back with Angels

By Mark Saxon ESPNLosAngeles.com

ANAHEIM -- Outfielder Torii Hunter rejoined his Los Angeles Angels teammates Monday after spending two weeks in Texas helping his family deal with sexual-assault charges against his 17-year-old son Darius.

Hunter is hopeful he will be activated from the restricted list before Tuesday night's game against the New York Yankees.

"This is my safe haven," Hunter said. "I come out here for three hours and I don't have to think about anything. I think about winning and playing the game, going out there and battling on the field with all my teammates. When the game's over, there it is, the problem, whatever you have, lying and waiting for you."

Darius Hunter is charged in Collin County, Texas, with sexually assaulting a child, a second-degree felony. He was arrested May 14 along with three juveniles and another 17- year old, Garrick White. Hunter's attorneys said they have recorded evidence of the alleged victim recanting her testimony.

Torii Hunter said he felt better about returning to his team after hearing his son's side of the story and seeing him smile for the first time in two weeks as the father and son were leaving a movie theater Friday. The family is hoping the case will not proceed to the grand jury, but that they're prepared if it goes to trial.

"It's my son. This is my blood. For him to go through this and watch him cry every night, go through all this stuff, it's pretty tough. I don't wish this on any father out there," Hunter said.

Darius Hunter, a safety, has been recruited by several college football programs and many of them have dropped out since the allegations surfaced, Hunter said. He said Utah and Texas Tech called to say they're still "on board," with the recruitment of the Prosper High junior.

The Angels have gone 9-5 in Hunter's absence. He was batting .256 with five home runs and 15 RBIs when he left the team and flew home, about two hours after hearing the charges against his son.

"He's our leader and he's been our leader since he signed here," said Angels outfielder Peter Bourjos. "It's good to have his energy back in the clubhouse. We were winning some games, but if we were losing it would have been a little different not having Torii's voice in here." May 29, 2012 Page 20 of 87

Hunter took batting practice at his home daily, he said, and ran sprints every morning. The Angels wanted him to go through a workout with the team Monday before activating him.

"We all love this game. We understand the duty you have to this game, but there are things you have to do for your family," manager Mike Scioscia said. "I think he's ready to come back and play some baseball."

What the Angels have to deal

The Los Angeles Angels are making a move as the month of May nears a close. The club has won five straight, and perhaps more importantly, both their pitching staff and Albert Pujols have led the way.

The Halos sit 6 1/2 back of the Texas Rangers but it's still very early in the schedule and there are two wildcard spots within reach. If GM Jerry DiPoto looks to shore up his bullpen or scours for upgrades at third base or the outfield, he does have some young talent to offer in return.

Peter Bourjos, a plus defensive center fielder, has yet to start hitting but he's so good in the field and on the bases that clubs may take their lumps with his bat to add the other positive values.

Right-hander Garrett Richards could be enticing to clubs, and with Jerome Williams throwing the ball well in the big leagues Richards may be expendable. He's surviving in Triple-A in a tough environment for pitchers.

Shortstop Jean Segura, right-hander John Hellweg and infielders Kaleb Cowart and Taylor Lindsey could also be pieces to a trade package.

Another reason why Richards could be expendable is the showing of Ariel Pena in Double-A Arkansas. Despite serving up seven long balls in 52 1/3 innings, Pena has amassed 54 strikeouts and just 17 bases on balls in nine starts.

It may not be out of the question that DiPoto fields calls for Mark Trumbo, but until Kendrys Morales and others start to hit with some consistency, the hot bat of Trumbo isn't likely to be moved.

May 29, 2012 Page 21 of 87

FROM ANGELS.COM

Trumbo, Angels walk off to seventh straight win

Weaver's exit in first with back pain looms over wild victory

By Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com | 5/29/2012 2:56 AM ET

ANAHEIM -- Monday was supposed to be a night of celebration.

The Angels' bullpen had contributed a gritty nine-inning effort, their offense had showed rare life to keep up with the high-powered Yankees and Mark Trumbo had capped it all with a walk-off homer to lead off the bottom of the ninth, extending his club's season- high winning streak to seven, halting the Yankees' at five and getting the Angels to the .500 mark for the first time since the fourth game of the season.

This, in so many ways, was supposed to be the biggest win of the year.

But because Jered Weaver exited in the first inning, due to a lower back injury that was still bothering him postgame, it could also turn into the biggest loss of the season.

"The story shouldn't be about that," Weaver pleaded after his club's 9-8 victory at Angel Stadium. "It should be about how everybody picked me up and that everybody picked each other up today."

But Weaver -- 6-1 with a 2.61 ERA and a no-hitter this season, while anchoring a staff that's statistically the best in the American League -- is just that important.

"It's obviously a huge loss," Trumbo said. "I don't know what his status is -- hopefully it's a day-to-day thing -- but I'm super proud of the way our guys came in and battled."

The Angels didn't know Weaver's status late Monday night. That won't come until their ace undergoes an MRI and X-ray on Tuesday.

What they did know was that they had won a crazy game with an offensive showing that has been absent all season and a bullpen performance that seems to be the trend lately.

Monday's game saw Weaver be basically a non-factor, Yankees starter Phil Hughes get scorched for the second straight time against the Angels and both clubs constantly go back and forth.

Then it all ended on one swing, when Trumbo stayed back on a first-pitch changeup by righty Cory Wade and skied it to the right of the left-field foul pole, setting off fireworks, May 29, 2012 Page 22 of 87

causing a dog pile at home plate and giving the Angels their first walk-off victory of the season.

"I wasn't really looking for [the changeup]," said Trumbo, who had faced Wade plenty in the Minors. "I was just looking for something elevated that I could put in the air, and that's what happened."

Wade was trying to throw "something away," he said. Instead, it went away. Far, far away.

"I didn't want to do just that -- leave something over the plate that he can pull out of the ballpark," Wade said. "He's a home run hitter. That's what he's trying to do -- end the game as fast as he can. He beat me. There's really no other way to put it."

Considering the six walks their pitchers gave up, and the three errors their fielders made, the Angels were, as manager Mike Scioscia said, "fortunate" to win. Trumbo's homer, his eighth of the year, marked the third time the Angels had the lead, in a game that saw both teams combine for 25 hits, nine relievers and four homers.

When the Yankees scored three in the top of the first, the Angels came back with four in the bottom half, giving them their highest first-inning production of the year. When the Yankees' Curtis Granderson went deep in the second, the Angels' Mike Trout went deep in the fourth, then the Yankees' Mark Teixeira went deep in the fifth -- all solo shots.

And when it looked like the Angels had pulled away in the bottom of the sixth -- on a two-out, two-run double by Kendrys Morales that made it an 8-5 game -- the Yankees tied it with three in the top of the seventh with Jason Isringhausen on the mound, getting a sacrifice fly from Nick Swisher and a two-out, two-run double from Russell Martin, who came into that at-bat hitting .172 on the year.

"I love the way we came back in that first inning," said Trumbo, who aided the tying run by misplaying Raul Ibanez's fly ball three batters earlier. "That was the turning point for me. It showed some fight, and they realized they were going to be in for a scrap today."

Weaver let the first three runners reach base, then left with excruciating pain in his back - - suffered while throwing a 1-0 fastball to cleanup hitter Robinson Cano -- and watched as the Yankees took an early three-run lead.

But an Angels offense that came in with the second-fewest runs in the AL clobbered Hughes, who gave up seven runs on 11 hits in a 5 1/3-inning outing -- after giving up six runs in 3 1/3 innings in his April 14 start against them at Yankee Stadium. May 29, 2012 Page 23 of 87

In the end, the unsung hero might've been Jordan Walden, who pitched a clean eighth then retired Derek Jeter with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth to keep the score tied.

Walden hadn't pitched more than one inning all year, but Scioscia had little choice. Only Ernesto Frieri and Scott Downs were left in the bullpen, and both have pitched a lot recently.

"We had nobody else, really," Walden said. "I'm going to step up and give it everything I have. I was just letting everything go behind the ball."

Weaver to get MRI on back after exiting early

By Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com

ANAHEIM -- Angels ace Jered Weaver hurt his lower back early in his start against the Yankees on Monday night, leaving after 12 pitches and nursing a lot of pain shortly after the Angels' walk-off, 9-8 victory at Angel Stadium.

The extent of the injury is still unknown. The team will wait until Weaver undergoes an X-ray and MRI on Tuesday before deciding whether he'll need to go on the disabled list.

"I really don't have any answers right now," Weaver said. "I've just got to wait for those MRIs and X-rays to come back. We'll keep our fingers crossed."

So will the rest of this team, which extended its season-high winning streak to seven games and can ill afford to lose its best starting pitcher. If Weaver does go on the shelf, the Angels could call up young righty Garrett Richards from Triple-A Salt Lake (though he has a 6.30 ERA in May) or perhaps get in on veteran free agent Roy Oswalt (but that would depend on his price tag).

The Angels will "most likely" be calling up a pitcher on Tuesday regardless, manager Mike Scioscia said, considering the bullpen just accounted for nine innings and the club hasn't had a day off since May 10.

But as of late Monday night, they were keeping their options open with Weaver, who could be helped by a Thursday off-day.

"We won't know that far yet," said Weaver, who felt the pain on the lower part of his right side. "I'll wait for the results tomorrow and go from there." May 29, 2012 Page 24 of 87

Weaver has never really dealt with back pain much, but his good friend, Dan Haren, has. Haren has been dealing with some stiffness in his back throughout the year, but he doesn't have as much torque in his delivery as Weaver -- and an MRI could reveal a bulging disk for Weaver.

"I can't really bend over too much," Weaver said. "Muscle relaxer's helping a little bit, but like I said, I've never had something like that happen before, so it was pretty painful. No doubt about it."

Weaver, who's 6-1 with a 2.61 ERA in a year that has seen him throw a no-hitter, didn't have any pain coming out of the bullpen for his start. But on his 12th pitch of the game, a 1-0 fastball to Yankees cleanup hitter Robinson Cano, he felt a pronounced pinch in his lower back.

"It felt like somebody came up behind me and stabbed me," Weaver said. "I couldn't bend over."

Weaver was checked on by Angels trainers and could barely throw a warm-up pitch, then came right out of the game, hobbling back to the dugout and making way for Bobby Cassevah to come out of the bullpen.

"Very disappointing," Weaver said. "You get motivated for games like this and to have that happen so early in the game, it's just disappointing."

Grateful for support, Hunter returns to Angels

ANAHEIM -- A confusing, scary, embarrassing couple of weeks led Torii Hunter and Darius McClinton-Hunter to a movie theater in Texas on Friday. It was there that the two took in "The Avengers" and, for at least a couple hours, tried to put aside the drama surrounding the 17-year-old son of the Angels' outfielder.

At last, Hunter saw a smile from his boy.

"That was the first smile I had seen in the last two weeks," Hunter said.

And that, in essence, let Hunter know that it was safe to go back to work. After being on the restricted list since May 14 -- to be with a scared teenager dealing with sexual-assault charges the family has denied -- Hunter returned to the Angels shortly thereafter.

"Through all this stuff, my family and I, we got a little closer," Hunter said from the Angels' dugout on Monday. "We were able to talk a lot, and the last couple days, they seemed like they were doing a lot better and I felt like they could handle it from there."

Hunter arrived in Anaheim on Sunday afternoon and took batting practice on the field before the series opener against the Yankees on Memorial Day, but the Angels will wait at least a day to activate him. Hunter has been running and hitting in the batting cage in May 29, 2012 Page 25 of 87

the backyard of his Prosper, Texas, home, but he needs a little more time to get acclimated.

"We'll assess him a little bit later today and see how he feels tomorrow, with a possibility of playing," said manager Mike Scioscia, whose club headed into a nine-game homestand riding a six-game winning streak. "If not, we'll let him continue to work out until he feels he's physically where he needs to be to get back in the lineup."

Hunter got the call on a Monday morning -- shortly after returning from a weekend set against the Rangers and before opening up a home series against the Athletics -- that his son was in trouble. He had just been arrested, along with four others, on suspicions of child sexual assault, which is a second-degree felony.

About two hours later, Hunter was on a flight back home.

The decision was an easy one.

"If I'm going to call myself the head of the household, I should be there for my family when they need me," Hunter said. "I sacrifice a lot for baseball, so why not sacrifice the same for my family? That's what I want to do. I love them more than baseball -- and I love this game.

"I want to thank the fans, you guys, for all your support, all your prayers, because they've definitely been worth it. And I thank the organization for allowing me to go home and be with my family."

For legal reasons, Hunter couldn't go into much detail about the matter, but he said "everything's positive" back home and McClinton-Hunter is now "doing great."

Hunter's attorneys said last week that the accuser, a 16-year-old girl, recanted everything she previously told police in a phone conversation with a close family friend of the Hunters, who recorded the exchange. That evidence has since been turned over to the department.

"I have to let the justice system play its part," Hunter said. "Hopefully this thing gets dropped, but we're ready to go to court no matter what."

Hunter watched almost all of the 14 games the Angels played without him the last two weeks. He was tempted to come back when Vernon Wells (right thumb surgery) and Ryan Langerhans (separated right shoulder) landed on the disabled list during a May 20 game against the Padres but knew it wasn't time yet.

Now, Hunter is back at what he calls his "safe haven."

"When I come out here for three hours," Hunter said, "I don't have to think about anything. I'm thinking about winning, playing the game, battling on the field with all my teammates and I really don't think about much. Just winning." May 29, 2012 Page 26 of 87

Angels honor veterans on Memorial Day

ANAHEIM -- The Angels joined all of Major League Baseball, and the entire nation, in honoring the veterans who have fought for this country on Memorial Day.

Prior to Monday's series opener against the Yankees, a giant American flag was unveiled in the outfield, followed by a flyover during the signing of the national anthem.

Honored on-field was the family of U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Oscar Jimenez, who lost his life in Iraq on Easter Sunday in 2004, during a counter-attack in Al Anbar Province. Jimenez -- who left behind his wife, daughter and two sons -- served in the Marine Corps Reserve for nine years, became a commissioned officer in '01 and was deployed to Iraq for a third time in '03, out of Twentynine Palms, Calif.

One of his sons, Oscar, threw the ceremonial first pitch to Angels outfielder Torii Hunter.

Then, both teams took the field with military-camouflage logos on their Stars & Stripes caps. Net proceeds from the sale of these special caps are donated to Welcome Back Veterans, a program that addresses the needs of returning American veterans and their families.

Worth noting

• LaTroy Hawkins (broken pinkie) could work his way into a Minor League rehab game this week. Ryan Langerhans (separated shoulder) played catch on the field Monday, while Vernon Wells (thumb surgery) stayed back in Texas.

• The Angels' seven-game winning streak is their longest since they won eight straight July 18-25, 2009.

Pettitte, Haren to face off in prime matchup

By AJ Cassavell / MLB.com | 5/29/2012 2:54 AM ET

Mark Trumbo's walk-off home run on Monday night ended the Yankees' five-game winning streak.

When the two clubs meet in the second of three games at Angel Stadium on Tuesday, the Yankees will be looking for revenge, which would come in similar fashion, as the Angels are riding a seven-game winning streak of their own.

Andy Pettitte takes the ball for New York against the Angels' Dan Haren in a battle of veteran pitchers riding plenty of momentum. May 29, 2012 Page 27 of 87

Pettitte (2-1, 2.53 ERA) will be making his fourth start this season since returning from a year-long retirement stint, the last two of which were vintage Pettitte. He has struck out 17 batters in his past 15 innings and has allowed just two runs.

"I felt like I'd be able to get back to where I was, so to say that I'm surprised, I'm really not," Pettitte said. "I still feel like I have a ways to go as far as maybe mentally, as far as the focus I want to have, but other than that, I feel real good about my stuff and my pitches, where they're at."

He'll face Haren (2-5, 3.76 ERA), who, after losing four straight, pitched one of the best games of his career on Thursday. He struck out a career-high 14 in a shutout in which he had just one three-ball count.

"I was searching for a while," Haren said. "I was hoping it would come earlier, but I think a product of what I do on the field is what I do in between starts. I've had to pick up my in-between-starts routine and do a lot more stuff to strengthen my back, my core area."

Yankees: Gardner, Robertson work out in Tampa Outfielder Brett Gardner and reliever David Robertson worked out at the Yankees' Minor League complex in Tampa, Fla., on Monday, as both work to recover from injuries that have put them on the disabled list.

Gardner took swings to test his strained right elbow and Robertson played catch without any discomfort from a strained left oblique.

"Everything went well, so they'll move on to whatever they have to do tomorrow," manager Joe Girardi said.

Girardi said Robertson will not return on the Yankees' current road trip and Gardner, who hasn't appeared in a big league game since April 17, will need a few rehab games before being activated.

• Catcher Russell Martin returned to the lineup on Monday after sitting out Sunday with a stiff neck. Martin, who went 2-for-5 and hit a game-tying two-run double in the seventh, said he suffered the injury lifting weights on Saturday.

• Second baseman Robinson Cano has homered in three of his past six games and four of his past 10. The power surge comes after he hit just three home runs in his first 38 games.

Angels: Hunter makes return After being on the restricted list since May 14 to be with his son, who is dealing with May 29, 2012 Page 28 of 87

sexual-assault charges the family has denied, outfielder Torii Hunter returned to the Angels on Monday, but he wasn't activated.

"Through all this stuff, my family and I, we got a little closer," Hunter said. "We were able to talk a lot, and the last couple days, they seemed like they were doing a lot better, and I felt like they could handle it from there."

Manager Mike Scioscia said the club would assess Hunter's workout before Tuesday's game and then make an evaluation if he is ready to play.

• An Angels starter has allowed three earned runs or fewer in 12 of the past 14 games. Overall, the Angels have gotten quality starts in 28 of the last 36 contests.

Worth noting • Pettitte has faced Albert Pujols more than any other Angels hitter. In 31 plate appearances, the Yankees lefty has limited Pujols to a .214 average with no extra-base hits.

• The Angels are 24-11 in their past 35 games against the Yankees at Angel Stadium.

FROM FOX SPORTS WEST

Weaver leaves injured in Angels' dramatic win

By Joe McDonnell

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Forgive the Angels if their postgame party ended a little early on Monday night. They have some worrying to get to come Tuesday morning.

Mark Trumbo hit a leadoff solo homer in the bottom of the ninth to give the Angels a 9-8 win over the New York Yankees, giving the Angels their seventh consecutive victory and putting them at the .500 mark for the first time since April 9 with a 25-25 record.

The question now becomes, how long can they stay there?

Staff ace Jered Weaver walked off the mound before recording an out in the first inning, unable to continue after three batters due to sharp pain in his back. After throwing his 12th pitch, he screamed and arched his back in pain, and after one attempt at a warm-up pitch, Weaver yelled once again and walked off the mound. It was the first time in his May 29, 2012 Page 29 of 87

six-plus year major league career that he started a game and failed to get at least five outs.

Weaver, who was diagnosed with what the team called a "lower-back injury," told reporters that he'd never felt a pain like that any time in his career.

"I couldn't really do anything about it," he said, still in discomfort even after medication was administered. It was disappointing because you get motivated (to face teams like the Yankees)."

Angels' manager Mike Scioscia has had to deal with numerous injuries to his staff this season already, and now must wait for word on Weaver's short-term future until the medical exams are completed.

"We're hoping it's just a muscular thing right now," Scioscia said after the game. "Weave will have an MRI and we'll know more after that. Obviously we're hoping it is something minor — possibly a muscle spasm — but we'll know for sure tomorrow. He's one of the best pitchers in the game and as tough as they come; he hates missing any time at all. After the tests, we'll talk with him and go from there."

A decision on a possible trip to the disabled list for Weaver — 6-1 on the season — won't be made until Tuesday at the earliest.

For Trumbo, fourth in the American League with a .333 average, his walk-off blast off loser Cory Wade (0-1) was the third of his career. Despite not having a regular spot in the lineup — he's played third base, first base, right and left fields, and designated hitter since the arrival of Albert Pujols moved him off first — the 2011 Sporting News AL Rookie of the Year also has eight homers, 22 RBI, 21 extra base hits and an on-base percentage of .388. He's third in the American League among qualified players with a .979 OPS.

"Mark has been huge for us," said Scioscia, who referred to Trumbo as a "definite" All- Star candidate. "He's handled what could have been a really tough situation — especially after having the year he had last year — with ultimate professionalism. His attitude has been fantastic. He goes out, plays hard every night and helps us win games."

Designated hitter Kendrys Morales continued his recent surge, going 2 for 5 with three RBI while outfielder Mike Trout went 2 for 5, including his fifth home run of the season. Pujols went 2 for 4 and scored a run, but also struck out twice. Curtis Granderson hit his 15th home run of the season for the Yankees, with former Angel Mark Teixeira smashing his ninth. Catcher Russell Martin had two hits and his two-run double in the top of the seventh tied the game at 8-8, setting the stage for Trumbo. May 29, 2012 Page 30 of 87

Former closer Jordan Walden pitched two scoreless innings for the Angels to get the victory.

FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES

Pujols Is Starting to Look Like His Usual Fearsome Self

By DAVID WALDSTEIN

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Oakland Athletics pitcher Travis Blackley, an Australian left- hander who is always fighting for a job, was going into the set position on the mound last week, and as he brought his glove to his waist to throw the first pitch to Kendry Morales, he had a thought very few people in this world can share.

“You just struck out Albert Pujols, mate,” he recalled telling himself. “You’re about to get a ton of messages on Facebook.”

Blackley’s momentary pause reflected the magnitude of the moment for a 29-year-old journeyman who has played on three continents but was pitching in only his 15th major league game. No matter how badly Pujols had been struggling, he was still one of the game’s most feared hitters.

“It’s not like you’re facing him thinking he’s, oh, hitting .213,” Blackley said. “He might be the best hitter we’ve ever seen. He can wake up in an instant.”

Blackley was right. Pujols, in his first season with the Los Angeles Angels, has stirred from a lengthy slump and shown signs of fully awakening from his hibernation, just in time to face the Yankees.

Although Blackley got Pujols out twice that night in Oakland, the Angels’ slugging first baseman also hit his fourth home run of the season, the beginning of a barrage in which he would hit four homers in six games going into Monday night’s matchup with the Yankees.

“It’s no surprise,” said Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira, who is also emerging from a slump. “I’m sure people made a big deal out of it. But if anyone thinks Albert Pujols is going to stay down for long, they’re crazy.”

After 11 seasons in St. Louis, Pujols signed a 10-year, $240 million contract with the Angels as a free agent. But until very recently, he was not close to being the three-time May 29, 2012 Page 31 of 87

most valuable player he was in St. Louis. A career .325 hitter who averaged 42 home runs over a 162-game season as a Cardinal, Pujols was hitting only .190 through the first 30 games of the season, with just one homer.

He did not hit his first home run until May 6, but over his previous 18 games heading into Monday, he was hitting .288 with 6 homers, 2 doubles and 17 runs batted in. Those are still not the numbers Pujols or the Angels expected. But they are closer to his old form.

There have been numerous theories explaining Pujols’s slow start: he has put too much pressure on himself to live up to the expectations of his contract; he is struggling to adjust to a move from the National League to the American League; and he is adjusting to living away from his family, which has remained in St. Louis so his children can stay in school there.

After a win over Oakland on May 15, the Angels fired the hitting instructor Mickey Hatcher and replaced him with Jim Eppard, a longtime minor league coach. Hatcher had upset Pujols by revealing that Pujols had stood up in a team meeting to reassure his teammates that he would start hitting again. But the Angels said that had nothing to do with why Hatcher was fired.

Under Hatcher, Pujols hit .212 with a home run and 14 R.B.I. In the 12 games after that, he was hitting .271. Eppard dismisses any direct connection because the Angels have taken a cautious approach with Pujols. While he adjusts to the Angels, they are adjusting to him, watching and learning how he approaches his vocation.

“Albert has a routine that he is committed to,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “It’s really impressive to watch how he prepares for a game, and he’s been one the best players in the batter’s box the last 11 years, doing it in a very a methodical way. I think that’s why we all feel good about where he’ll end up and the numbers he’ll put up. I think he’s relieved to contribute.”

But Pujols is not new to all of the Angels. Jason Isringhausen, the relief pitcher who spent seven seasons with Pujols in St. Louis before reuniting with him on the West Coast, said he was just now starting to recognize his old teammate.

“The other day, he crushed a home run to right center,” Isringhausen said. “That’s the old Albert.”

Because of their long relationship, Isringhausen has spent some time talking to Pujols, although he was reluctant to share the details of their conversations.

“I don’t want to bother him,” Isringhausen said. “We’ve talked a little bit on the plane, just relaxing and trying to take his mind off stuff. I’ve known him for a while. I don’t see May 29, 2012 Page 32 of 87

the contract changing him any, but he was pressing a little bit. You could see it in his swing, trying to do too much.”

For all the broad explanations for Pujols’s struggles, Isringhausen offered an analytical pitcher’s approach. For weeks, Pujols was chasing inside pitches and getting himself out. More recently, he has let those pitches go, waiting for ones over the plate and then hammering at least a few of them.

Now the Angels hope Pujols can take the rest of the lineup with him on a tear through the A.L. With Pujols showing signs of life again, the Angels won their season-high sixth straight game Sunday.

“He’s the big dog on the porch,” Isringhausen said. “He’s Albert. Big contract, big money. When he starts to get going, everyone does.”

FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Mark Trumbo's home run delivers win for Angels

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- When ace Jered Weaver limped off the mound with a back injury after just 12 pitches, the Los Angeles Angels probably figured their winning streak would be the least of their losses Monday night.

After nine innings of relief pitching, 15 hits, three errors, two blown three-run leads, and 3 hours, 38 minutes of exhausting play, Mark Trumbo's soaring homer ended an uncommonly meaningful victory for the revitalized Angels.

Trumbo finished it with a shot to left into the sold-out stands, and the Angels overcame Weaver's first-inning injury exit for their seventh consecutive win, a wild 9-8 victory over the New York Yankees.

Trumbo connected on the final pitch from Cory Wade (0-1), circling the bases for a home-plate celebration accompanied by a few fireworks. After a horrible start to a season of high expectations, the Angels (25-25) are finally back to .500 for the first time since April 9.

"I was super proud of the way we came together against a really good team," said Trumbo, who also doubled and tripled. "Of course they're going to score some runs in that situation, but it's huge the way we came back from the first inning on."

Howie Kendrick and Kendrys Morales drove in three runs apiece for the Angels, who snapped the Yankees' five-game winning streak.

May 29, 2012 Page 33 of 87

Mike Trout homered and Albert Pujols had two hits for the Angels, who got a hit from every batter. Los Angeles also survived terrible defense in its return from a revitalizing 10-game road trip that pulled it out of last place in the American League West.

"Hopefully it's a breakout game," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "During the streak, we have not been swinging the bat well. We've been doing just enough to win, so hopefully this will get us to a different place."

Weaver left with a stabbing pain in his lower back after facing only four batters, but Los Angeles' lineup matched its season highs for runs and hits, capped by the third game- winning homer of Trumbo's young career.

Jordan Walden (2-1) finished the nine-inning relief effort, escaping a bases-loaded jam of his own making in the ninth on Derek Jeter's grounder.

"I can't say enough for the guys that went out there (in relief)," Scioscia said. "Those guys stepped up and did great."

Russell Martin's two-out, two-run double in a three-run seventh tied it at 8 for the Yankees, who were on their longest winning streak of the season. Curtis Granderson hit his 15th homer and Mark Teixeira hit his fourth home run in four games, but New York left the bases loaded in the first and ninth innings.

"A lot of guys had opportunities tonight, but any time you put eight (runs) on the board, you want to get that win," said Nick Swisher, who went 0-for-4 and ran into Granderson on a full sprint in a scary third-inning outfield collision.

Phil Hughes yielded 11 hits and seven runs while pitching into the sixth inning of a rough start near his hometown for the Yankees. Hughes had a 3-0 lead in the first inning after Weaver's exit, but the Angels erased the deficit just six batters into the bottom half of the inning, with Kendrick's two-run single capping the rally.

"That was the turning point," said Trumbo, who had an RBI double in the rally. "That showed some fight."

Weaver had the first significant back trouble of his career in his first home start since throwing a no-hitter at Angel Stadium on May 2.

Weaver gave up leadoff hits to Jeter and Granderson before Jeter scored when Gold Glove shortstop Erick Aybar booted a grounder. Weaver then stumbled awkwardly off the mound after a pitch to Robinson Cano, leaving the game after attempting a warm-up pitch.

"It felt like somebody stabbed me in the back," said Weaver, who will have an MRI on Tuesday. "It's disappointing, especially because you get up for games like this."

May 29, 2012 Page 34 of 87

The Yankees went up 3-0 -- but unlike the punchless team that was shut out a franchise- record eight times in its first 36 games, Los Angeles rallied for four quick runs, capped by Trumbo's double into the right-field stands and Kendrick's two-run single.

Trout hit his fifth homer of the season in the fourth. Morales delivered a bases-loaded double on reliever David Phelps' first pitch in the sixth, driving home two runs and putting the Angels up 8-5.

Hughes was born and raised in Orange County, attending high school 8 miles from Angel Stadium in Santa Ana. He had about 20 friends and family members in attendance for his first start in Anaheim since his sixth major league start in 2007.

"On a night when the offense is doing so well and swinging the bats, it's a tough one to swallow," Hughes said.

Game notes Yankees LF Brett Gardner took dry swings and RHP David Robertson played catch in both injured players' latest rehab steps. Gardner is out with a strained right elbow, and Robertson has a strained oblique muscle. Gardner, who has been out for six weeks, will play in the minors before rejoining the Yankees. ... Angels RF Torii Hunter returned from a two-week absence to deal with his son's arrest in Texas. Hunter is still on the Angels' restricted list but seems likely to play soon.

USA TODAY AMERICAN LEAGUE TEAM REPORTS

Los Angeles Angels Team Notes

INSIDE PITCH

Hunter expects to return to action Tuesday

The most difficult thing Torii Hunter has ever had to do during a baseball season was step away from it.

The veteran outfielder left the Angels for two weeks in order to be with his family and deal with the arrest of one of his teenage sons in connection with a sexual-assault investigation at a Dallas-area high school.

Hunter rejoined the Angels on Monday and went through the pregame workout with them. He likely will be activated from the restricted list before Tuesday's game. May 29, 2012 Page 35 of 87

"During the season, this is probably one of the hardest things I've ever been through because this is my son, my blood," Hunter said at Angel Stadium on Monday afternoon. "To watch him go through this and watch him cry every night -- it's pretty tough. I don't wish this on any father out there."

Attorneys for Darius McClinton-Hunter said last week that they had provided audio recordings and other evidence to police that will show one of the girls involved in the investigation had recanted her accusation against Hunter's son. Torii Hunter said he is optimistic the charges against his son could be dropped soon but that he is prepared to fight the charges in court if necessary.

During his two weeks away from the Angels, Hunter said he did what he could to stay in shape, even taking batting practice in his cage at home against another one of his sons, Torii Jr.

Hunter said he was anxious to get back when he saw the Angels lost two outfielders -- Vernon Wells (torn thumb ligaments) and Ryan Langerhans (separated shoulder) -- to injuries last week. However, his family convinced him to stay a little longer.

"I'm like, 'Man, I got to get back,'" Hunter said. "She (his wife, Katrina) said, 'You can't leave me with all this.' They really needed me.

"I saw my boys. They were depressed and down. I couldn't leave my household like that."

NOTES, QUOTES

--RHP Jered Weaver left Monday's game in the first inning after suffering lower back spasms. Weaver threw just 12 pitches, didn't retire a batter and was following through on a pitch to Yankees 2B Robinson Cano when the spasms struck. He tried throwing a warm-up pitch and staying in the game but couldn't. Weaver said he would undergo an MRI as part of an examination Tuesday.

"As I released the ball, I couldn't bend over. It felt like somebody came up from behind and stabbed me," Weaver said.

--DH Kendrys Morales went 2-for-5 with three RBI on a double and a single in Monday's win. Morales struck out four times in Saturday's game against the Mariners and had just one RBI in 13 games to that point and no extra-base hits since May 13. In his past two games, though, he is 5-for-9 with five RBI, two doubles and a home run.

--RF Mark Trumbo went 3-for-5 Monday with a double, a triple and a walk-off home run in the ninth inning against the Yankees. It was the Angels' first walk-off home run against the Yankees since Trumbo's boyhood hero, Tim Salmon, hit one on April 28, 1993.

--LF Mike Trout finished 2-for-5 with a home run in Monday's win. He is batting .333 (33-for-100) with hits in 18 of 25 games this month. Over his past 19 games, he is batting .342 (26-for-76) with nine multi-hit games. May 29, 2012 Page 36 of 87

--RHP Jordan Walden went two innings in relief Monday and got credit for the win after RF Mark Trumbo's walk-off home run in the ninth inning. It was the first two-inning relief appearance of Walden's major league career. The Angels bullpen was stretched by RHP Jered Weaver's early exit with back spasms. Walden was the last of five relievers used by the Angels in the 9-8 win over the Yankees.

It's possible the Angels could add a reliever Tuesday.

"We're going to look at a couple of things tonight and tomorrow, and see what we need. We had a lot of innings out of our 'pen tonight," manager Mike Scioscia said. "We have some arms down (in the minors) that we'll consider."

BY THE NUMBERS: 25-25 -- The Angels' record after Monday's win over the Yankees, the first time Los Angeles has been at .500 since April 10 (2-2).

QUOTE TO NOTE: "This is my safe haven. When I come out here for three hours, I don't have to think about anything except winning and playing the game." -- OF Torii Hunter, on rejoining the team after being with his family for two weeks following his son's arrest in a sexual-assault investigation.

ROSTER REPORT

MEDICAL WATCH:

--RHP Jered Weaver (lower back spasms) left his May 28 start in the first inning. He will undergo an MRI exam May 29.

--RHP LaTroy Hawkins (broken right pinkie finger) went on the 15-day disabled list May 7. He threw off a mound May 25. He is expected to be out until early to mid-June.

--OF Vernon Wells (torn ulnar collateral ligament in right thumb) went on the 15-day disabled list May 21. He underwent surgery May 22, and he is expected to be sidelined until mid- to late July.

--OF Ryan Langerhans (separated right shoulder) went on the 15-day disabled list May 21. He will not need surgery.

--C Chris Iannetta (fractured right wrist) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 9. He underwent surgery May 11, and he's expected to be out until late June or early July.

--RHP Michael Kohn (flexor strain in right arm) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 26, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 21. He underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery April 12. May 29, 2012 Page 37 of 87

--OF Jeremy Moore (left hip surgery in March 2012) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 26, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on April 13. He is unlikely to return before mid-June.

ROTATION:

RHP Jered Weaver

RHP Dan Haren

RHP Ervin Santana

LHP C.J. Wilson

RHP Jerome Williams

BULLPEN:

LHP Scott Downs (closer)

RHP Jordan Walden

RHP Ernesto Frieri

RHP Jason Isringhausen

LHP Hisanori Takahashi

RHP David Carpenter

RHP Bobby Cassevah

CATCHERS:

Bobby Wilson

John Hester

INFIELDERS:

1B Albert Pujols

2B Howie Kendrick

SS Erick Aybar

3B Alberto Callaspo May 29, 2012 Page 38 of 87

DH Kendrys Morales

INF Maicer Izturis

INF Andrew Romine

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Mike Trout

CF Peter Bourjos

RF Mark Trumbo

OF Kole Calhoun

New York Yankees Team Notes

INSIDE PITCH

Hughes sorry he couldn't give more help to his offense

Phil Hughes entered Monday night feeling pretty good about himself, riding a four-start stretch in which he was 3-1 with a 2.81 ERA.

That streak didn't continue Monday, as the Angels walloped him for seven runs on 11 hits in 5 1/3 innings, though he took a no-decision in the Yankees' 9-8 loss.

"You'd like to keep it rolling, for sure," Hughes said. "You'd like to try to string together as many good ones as you can in a row, but after the first inning, I knew it was going to be a battle to keep us in the game. I knew it wasn't going to be a good start. Looking back on it, I still tried to get us as deep as I could go and still give us a chance to win the game.

"Unfortunately, it didn't work out."

Hughes was staked to a 3-0 lead in the first, but he allowed four runs in the bottom of the inning as he struggled with the command of his fastball. Hughes grinded through five innings before being pulled in the sixth, then watched as Cory Wade gave up a walk-off home run to Mark Trumbo in the ninth.

Hughes allowed a solo home run by Mike Trout in the fourth, making it 10 consecutive starts in which he has allowed at least one homer. That marks the longest such streak by a Yankees starter since 1994, when Jim Abbott allowed homers in 11 straight starts.

The no-decision was the first of the season for Hughes, whose ERA jumped from 4.94 to 5.47. May 29, 2012 Page 39 of 87

"Just trying to hit my spots and mix my pitches as best I could," Hughes said. "I tried to keep us in the game as best I could and still giving up runs here, runs there. On a night when the offense is doing so well and swinging the bats, it's a tough one to swallow."

NOTES, QUOTES

--LF Brett Gardner took dry swings to test his strained right elbow Monday in Tampa, and he reported no problems. Gardner will repeat the drill Tuesday, then advance to hitting exercises. Manager Joe Girardi said it would likely be at least one week before Gardner goes on a rehab assignment and 10 days before he returns from the disabled list.

--RHP David Robertson (strained left oblique) played catch for the second time since moving his rehab to Tampa, and he reported no problems. Robertson is scheduled to throw on flat ground again Tuesday.

--C Russell Martin hit a game-tying, two-run double in the seventh inning, then singled in the ninth during a failed Yankees rally. Martin had been 4-for-31 before the double, but he said he has felt better at the plate recently. It remains to be seen whether those two at- bats can spark the slumping catcher. "We're going to have to wait and find out," Martin said. "I've been feeling better at the plate, and I'm starting to drive the ball the other way."

--1B Mark Teixeira reached base five times Monday against the Angels, going 2-for-2 with a home run, a single and three walks. Teixeira has four homers in his last four games and is 12-for-25 (.480) with four homers and 10 RBI in seven games since he took three days off due to a bronchial condition.

--CF Curtis Granderson homered in the Yankees' 9-8 loss to the Angels, giving him 15 home runs for the season. Granderson has gone deep in six of his last 10 games against the Angels, hitting seven overall during that stretch. His 56 home runs since the start of 2011 are the most in the majors. Granderson also collided with RF Nick Swisher in the outfield in the third inning, but both players remained in the game.

BY THE NUMBERS: 2 -- The Yankees have already won two games this season in which they have scored two runs or fewer. They won only one such game during the entire 2011 season.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "He got paid to do just what he did with it, hit it out of the ballpark. If I throw that same pitch 10 more times, he's going to hit it out 10 more times. It was a pretty bad pitch." -- RHP Cory Wade, on the changeup he threw to Angels RF Mark Trumbo that resulted in a game-ending home run.

ROSTER REPORT

MEDICAL WATCH:

--C Russell Martin (stiff neck) did not play May 26-27. He was back in the lineup May 28. May 29, 2012 Page 40 of 87

--LF Brett Gardner (right elbow bone bruise and strain) went on the 15-day disabled list April 18. He was shut down again May 2 because of pain in his injured right elbow. He made rehab appearances with Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on May 8-9, but he re- strained a muscle near the elbow. He had an MRI on May 23. While the test showed his muscle strain had healed, he continued to feel some stiffness in the arm. Gardner moved his rehab to Tampa on May 24, and he took his first dry swings May 28. He might be able to start a new rehab assignment in early June.

--RHP David Robertson (strained left oblique) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 12. He moved his rehab to Tampa in late May, when he began throwing on flat ground.

--RHP Brad Meyers (right labrum strain) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 26. He made a rehab appearance for Class A Tampa on April 9, but he hadn't pitched again since as of May 28.

--OF Austin Romine (lower back strain) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 26, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 12.

--RHP Mariano Rivera (torn anterior cruciate ligament in right knee) went on the 15-day disabled list May 4, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 13. He is almost certainly out for the season. He announced May 9 that he was also dealing with a blood clot in his right calf. As of May 22, Rivera still had not been scheduled for surgery to repair the torn ACL in his right knee, as the pitcher continued to strengthen his leg before undergoing the operation. Rivera expects to be ready to return in 2013.

--LHP Cesar Cabral (stress fracture on tip of left elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 31, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 17. He will miss at least the first half of the season.

--RHP Joba Chamberlain (Tommy John surgery in June 2011, right ankle surgery in March 2012) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 26, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 3. He hopes to pitch for the Yankees this season, but there is no timetable for his return.

--RHP David Aardsma (Tommy John surgery in July 2011) went on the 60-day disabled list Feb. 25. He isn't expected to return before midseason.

--RHP Michael Pineda (torn labrum in right shoulder) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 31, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 4. He underwent season-ending arthroscopic surgery May 1.

--LHP Pedro Feliciano (left rotator cuff surgery in September 2011) went on the 60-day disabled list Feb. 22. He will miss the entire season.

ROTATION: May 29, 2012 Page 41 of 87

LHP CC Sabathia

RHP Hiroki Kuroda

RHP Ivan Nova

RHP Phil Hughes

LHP Andy Pettitte

BULLPEN:

RHP Rafael Soriano (closer)

LHP Boone Logan

RHP Cory Wade

LHP Clay Rapada

RHP Cody Eppley

RHP David Phelps

RHP Freddy Garcia

CATCHERS:

Russell Martin

Chris Stewart

INFIELDERS:

1B Mark Teixeira

2B Robinson Cano

SS Derek Jeter

3B Alex Rodriguez

INF/OF Jayson Nix

INF Eric Chavez

OUTFIELDERS: May 29, 2012 Page 42 of 87

LF Andruw Jones

CF Curtis Granderson

RF Nick Swisher

OF Raul Ibanez

OF Dewayne Wise

Baltimore Orioles Team Notes

INSIDE PITCH

Hunter's struggles could clear a starting job for Britton

A spot could soon be open for Zach Britton.

If the Orioles are ready for the lefty to rejoin the rotation after recovering from his spring shoulder issues, Tommy Hunter opened a door for the front office.

The veteran right-hander, who needed a solid start Monday to solidify his standing in the rotation, pitched poorly. He failed to record an out in the fourth inning in Baltimore's 6-2 loss to Toronto.

Hunter (2-3) allowed six runs (five earned) on nine hits, including two homers. He didn't walk a batter, but he also didn't record a strikeout. His ERA rose to 5.59.

The Orioles held Jose Bautista to 0-for-4, but every other Blue Jays starter had a hit.

The short start was out of the norm for Hunter, who had gone at least six innings in each of his last three outings.

Britton pitched five innings for Class AA Bowie on Sunday, throwing 88 pitches and allowing just two unearned runs. The club could allow him to make another rehab start before bringing him back to Baltimore. The Orioles have two off days in the next week, which may enable manager Buck Showalter to go with four starters for a turn through the rotation.

If nothing else, Monday's start illustrates the front office's concern about rotation depth isn't unfounded. The Orioles will need to bolster the rotation if they are indeed serious about competing in 2012.

Hunter happens to be among the low-hanging fruit on a club that has lost three straight for just the second time all year. May 29, 2012 Page 43 of 87

NOTES, QUOTES

--CF Adam Jones extended his hitting streak to 19 games with a ninth-inning single Monday. Jones went 1-for-4, and his average is .307 following the loss to the Blue Jays. He's batting .333 (26-for-78) during the streak, which is the longest in the majors this season.

--OF Endy Chavez is expected to be activated before Tuesday's game. Manager Buck Showalter confirmed after Monday's game that Chavez would rejoin the team, but no corresponding move was announced. INF Steve Tolleson and OF Xavier Avery could be optioned to Class AAA Norfolk, or the club could option RHP Tommy Hunter following a poor outing Monday. Chavez has been out since May 9 due to a strained left intercostal muscle.

--LHP Dana Eveland salvaged the bullpen with four scoreless innings Monday. Eveland followed RHP Tommy Hunter's three-plus-inning start with his strong outing. On 50 pitches, he allowed just three hits while striking out two.

--2B Brian Roberts will wrap up his 20-day rehab assignment on the road with Class AAA Norfolk. Roberts spent time with Class AA Bowie and Class A Frederick last week, but with all of the local affiliates on the road, Roberts opted to join the highest level of the club's farm system. He has until June 11 to complete the assignment, when the club would have to activate him or appeal to the commissioner's office for a longer stretch. Roberts hasn't played in the majors since last May due to complications from a concussion.

--3B Mark Reynolds was back in the lineup Monday after being activated from the 15- day disabled list. Reynolds went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI in his first action since May 11, when he sustained a strained left oblique. He served as the designated hitter Monday.

--RHP Stu Pomeranz was placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday, as expected. Pomeranz, who was just promoted Friday, injured his left oblique while warming up in the bullpen Sunday. The DL move was made retroactive to Saturday.

BY THE NUMBERS: 3 -- Consecutive losses for the Orioles. The only other three-loss stretch this year was a sweep by the Yankees in the second series of the year.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "That's what happens when the ball is up. If you get the ball down, you get ground balls." -- RHP Tommy Hunter, following Monday's poor start in Toronto.

ROSTER REPORT

MEDICAL WATCH:

--RHP Stu Pomeranz (pulled left oblique) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 26. May 29, 2012 Page 44 of 87

--3B Mark Reynolds (strained left oblique) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 11. He began a rehab assignment on May 26 at Class AA Bowie, and he was activated May 28.

--OF Endy Chavez (strained left intercostal muscle) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 9. He started a rehab assignment with Class AA Bowie on May 26, and he is expected to be activated May 29.

--2B Brian Roberts (concussion) went on the 15-day disabled list March 26. He began a rehab assignment with Class AA Bowie on May 23, and he is expected to spend the maximum 20 days in the minors.

--LHP Zach Britton (left shoulder impingement) went on the 15-day disabled list March 26. He threw off a mound for the first time April 23. He threw a bullpen session April 30. He made his third extended spring training start May 21. He started for Class AA Bowie on May 27 and was expected to make one more start there before the club determines whether he'll join the Orioles or Class AAA Norfolk.

--LF Nolan Reimold (bulging disk in back) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 1. He had an epidural injection May 11. He's been dealing with persistent back and neck issues. He said May 15 he was likely headed toward a second epidural injection.

--RHP Matt Lindstrom (torn ligament in right middle finger) went on the 15-day disabled list May 11. He was scheduled to start a rehab assignment in Sarasota, Fla., the week of May 28-June 3.

--LHP Tsuyoshi Wada (torn left elbow ligament) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 28, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 7. He had season-ending Tommy John surgery May 11.

--C Taylor Teagarden (back strain) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 26, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 9. There is no timetable for his return.

ROTATION:

RHP Jake Arrieta

LHP Wei-Yin Chen

RHP Jason Hammel

LHP Brian Matusz

RHP Tommy Hunter

BULLPEN: May 29, 2012 Page 45 of 87

RHP Jim Johnson (closer)

RHP Kevin Gregg

RHP Luis Ayala

RHP Pedro Strop

LHP Troy Patton

RHP Darren O'Day

LHP Dana Eveland

CATCHERS:

Matt Wieters

Ronny Paulino

INFIELDERS:

1B Chris Davis

2B Robert Andino

SS J.J. Hardy

3B Mark Reynolds

DH Nick Johnson

INF Steve Tolleson

INF Ryan Flaherty

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Xavier Avery

CF Adam Jones

RF Nick Markakis

OF/INF Wilson Betemit

May 29, 2012 Page 46 of 87

Boston Red Sox Team Notes

INSIDE PITCH

Aviles bounces back after near strikeout and Red Sox win

With two out in the second inning of a tie game Monday, Mike Aviles foul-tipped a two- strike pitch from Detroit Tigers' starter Doug Fister and appealed to home plate umpire Jeff Nelson that the ball bounced.

Turns out, the Red Sox shortstop was rather convincing.

The replay showed catcher Gerald Laird did catch it. But first base umpire Bill Welke concurred with Nelson's ruling that the ball bounced, giving Aviles another chance to deliver an RBI single, the first of three consecutive two-out hits in a three-run inning that fueled a 7-4 Memorial Day victory that returned the Red Sox to .500 at 24-24.

"I'm pretty sure (Laird) caught it, but I'm not sure," Aviles said. "I haven't even checked the replay. I thought it might've bounced, but I don't know.

"The first thing I said was, 'Bounce.' I didn't want to strike out. I honestly don't know 100 percent, but he might've caught it."

Tigers manager Jim Leyland and third base coach Gene Lamont were ejected for arguing, and after the game, Leyland railed against Nelson and Welke, insisting that they be held accountable for their misjudgment.

"Write that it was a ridiculous call," Leyland said.

Unsure of how much he may have influenced it, Aviles only smiled at his good fortune.

"The first thing I did was I said it bounced because I thought I heard it bounce," Aviles said. "If I don't say anything, just walk to the dugout, then I'm out.

"If I say something, at least they can all get together, check first base, and at least we can figure out what's going on. There's always a chance. You never know."

NOTES, QUOTES

--2B Dustin Pedroia left Monday's game because of a jammed right thumb and will be reevaluated Tuesday. It's unclear whether he will be able to play Tuesday night against Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander, although manager Bobby Valentine cast doubt on Pedroia's availability. "I don't think he'll play if I was a betting man," Valentine said. "But don't bet on it." Pedroia might have been injured when he made a diving catch to his left and robbed Danny Worth of a hit to end the fifth inning, although SS Mike Aviles indicated he might have tweaked his thumb before that play occurred. "For where he had to go to stop that ball and to make a good throw, and he was dealing with that jammed May 29, 2012 Page 47 of 87

thumb before that, I think that was pretty impressive," Aviles said. "I don't know how he (was injured). I have no idea. I just knew he was out of the game. It was definitely a very sick play. He always impresses me. I try not to tell him that, so don't write that part." Valentine said Pedroia will have tests on his thumb. Pedroia wasn't available for comment.

--LHP Felix Doubront's maturation into a reliable major league starter was evident in a three-pitch package in the first inning Monday. Doubront didn't shrink from the challenge of facing Detroit Tigers' slugger Miguel Cabrera, getting him to swing and miss at three fastballs, none clocked at more than 93 mph. "I respect him," Doubront said. "I know he's a good hitter. I think I didn't show any fear. Just throw the ball and make him swing the bat. That's very important. And throw the ball with conviction. That's the key to get out a good hitter like him and Prince Fielder." Doubront allowed four hits, including solo home runs by Delmon Young and Gerald Laird, in six innings, marking the fourth consecutive start in which he gave up two runs or fewer. He has given up fewer than four earned runs in all but two starts, leaving his ERA at 3.86. "I don't know that I'm surprised," manager Bobby Valentine said. "But I didn't expect this kind of consistency."

--OF Ryan Sweeney was activated from the seven-day disabled list after he passed the Major League Baseball-mandated concussion test and had three hits, including a double, in Monday's victory over the Detroit Tigers. MLB implemented the abbreviated disabled list (regular DL stints last for at least 15 days) to assure that players who suffer head injuries recover fully before returning to the field. Although he was diagnosed with a mild concussion, Sweeney said it took three or four days before he felt relatively normal again. "I think it's a good idea, especially for guys like me who maybe had a mild one and don't need to go on the 15-day DL, that you can maybe have seven days to get back to where you were before and not feeling a little bit goofy," Sweeney said. "I think they're learning a lot. Concussions are weird things because you really don't know what's going on. It goes on how you feel, how you do on the tests. It's not like a normal injury that most people have." Sweeney had to take a written test that involved memorization and reaction time, the results of which were compared to baseline testing administered during spring training. To make room for Sweeney, the Red Sox optioned OF Che-Hsuan Lin to Class AAA Pawtucket.

--LF Daniel Nava had reached base at a .448 clip entering Monday's game, so manager Bobby Valentine moved him into the leadoff spot against Tigers RHP Doug Fister. Nava probably will lead off again Tuesday night against Tigers ace Justin Verlander. Nava, who finished 1-for-5 with an RBI double, was the fifth leadoff hitter used this season by Valentine, who has been shuffling the lineup in the absence of injured Jacoby Ellsbury. "I was reluctant to do it earlier only because (Nava) was getting his feet wet at the major league level," Valentine said. "I didn't want to get him in over his head. It seems like he's settling in nicely. He knows himself as a hitter. I like people who know what they can do."

--RHP Daniel Bard will start Tuesday night as the Red Sox attempt to climb over the .500 mark for the first time this season. Bard has been somewhat enigmatic since making the transition from reliever to starter. In particular, he hasn't featured the high-90s fastball as a starter that he used out of the bullpen over the last three seasons. In eight starts, he's 3-5 May 29, 2012 Page 48 of 87

with a 4.69 ERA. "He can pitch effectively, but is it him?" manager Bobby Valentine said of Bard throwing in the mid-90s. "You want someone to feel good about himself, and he feels good about himself when he can throw the ball fast when he wants to. Otherwise he's something other than what he might think of himself. He needs to say, 'I've figured this stuff out. I can hold runners. I can field bunts and get into the sixth inning. Now I have to be me.' Part of that is throwing the ball by people at times."

BY THE NUMBERS: 12 -- Consecutive games in which RHP Scott Atchison hasn't allowed a run. Atchison has a 0.93 ERA in 19 appearances for the Red Sox.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "It's just an instinct as a hitter. You swing and you know you foul- tipped it. You don't know if the catcher caught it or not. You point down. If the umpire saw it, he'll tell you if it did or it didn't and you just go from there. It's unfortunate they have to be put into that situation, but the ball rolled in our favor today. So that was good, right?" -- SS Mike Aviles.

ROSTER REPORT

MEDICAL WATCH:

--2B Dustin Pedroia (jammed right thumb) left the May 28 game. He will re-evaluated May 29.

--OF Cody Ross (fractured left foot) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 19. He could be out until mid-July, although signs point to a quicker return.

--OF Ryan Sweeney (concussion) went on the seven-day disabled list May 22. He suffered a mild concussion while making a game-saving diving catch May 19. He was activated May 28.

--OF Darnell McDonald (strained right oblique) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 12. He began a rehab assignment with Class AAA Pawtucket on May 25.

--RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (Tommy John surgery in June 2011) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 26. He began a rehab assignment with Class A Salem on April 23, then started for Class AA Portland before pitching for Class AAA Pawtucket on May 7, 12 and 17. He received an injection to relieve stiffness in his right trapezius muscle. The new ailment kept him out for a week, and it gave the Red Sox the reason they needed to extend his rehab assignment for another 30 days. He pitched five innings for Pawtucket on May 26.

--RHP Aaron Cook (lacerated left knee) went on the 15-day disabled list May 6. He needed 11 stitches after he was hurt on a play at the plate.

--CF Jason Repko (left shoulder separation) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 21. May 29, 2012 Page 49 of 87

--CF Jacoby Ellsbury (partial right shoulder dislocation) went on the 15-day disabled list April 14, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 13. He will treat the injury through rest and rehabilitation. He won't return when he is first eligible in mid-June, manager Bobby Valentine said May 14.

--LF Carl Crawford (arthroscopic left wrist surgery in January 2012) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 26, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 3. He had begun to get at-bats in extended spring training in mid-April, but he was slowed by a strained left elbow. He was diagnosed with an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament. He hit off a tee May 25. There is no timetable for his return.

--RHP Chris Carpenter (right elbow surgery) went on the 60-day disabled list April 4. The timetable for his return is uncertain.

--OF Ryan Kalish (right shoulder surgery in November 2011) went on the 60-day disabled list April 4.

--RHP Andrew Bailey (right thumb surgery) went on the 60-day disabled list April 4. He could resume throwing in late May, but the Red Sox don't expect him to return until after the All-Star break.

--RHP Bobby Jenks (two back surgeries in December 2011) went on the 60-day disabled list Feb. 21. It's unclear when he'll be ready to resume throwing a baseball, but he hopes to rejoin the team at some point this season.

--RHP John Lackey (Tommy John surgery in October 2011) went on the 60-day disabled list Feb. 22. He will miss the season.

ROTATION:

LHP Jon Lester

RHP Josh Beckett

RHP Clay Buchholz

LHP Felix Doubront

RHP Daniel Bard

BULLPEN:

RHP Alfredo Aceves (closer)

LHP Franklin Morales

RHP Matt Albers May 29, 2012 Page 50 of 87

RHP Vicente Padilla

RHP Scott Atchison

LHP Rich Hill

LHP Andrew Miller

CATCHERS:

Jarrod Saltalamacchia

Kelly Shoppach

INFIELDERS:

1B Kevin Youkilis

2B Dustin Pedroia

SS Mike Aviles

3B Will Middlebrooks

DH David Ortiz

INF Nick Punto

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Scott Podsednik

CF Ryan Sweeney

RF Adrian Gonzalez

OF Daniel Nava

OF Marlon Byrd

May 29, 2012 Page 51 of 87

Chicago White Sox Team Notes

INSIDE PITCH

White Sox rolling, but does anyone in Chicago notice?

The White Sox outlasted Tampa Bay, 2-1, on Monday to win their sixth consecutive game, as well as improve to 9-1 over their last 10 games, and remained atop the Central Division, keeping the heat on Cleveland.

But with the White Sox scheduled to return to town after this short series with the Rays, general manager Ken Williams is hoping that the fan base starts to respond to backing a team that has out-reached all the spring training expectations.

"The answer to that is yes, who wouldn't?" Williams said Monday, when asked about needing the fans to start backing the team a bit more. "They (fans) create a lot of energy. I don't know if they truly realize the effect that can have on a club on a day-to day-basis.

"That energy, that electricity that gives you a little extra push."

The fans also spend money, which the White Sox need if they want to increase their payroll come July with the trade talk heating up.

The White Sox drew only 21,371, 27,151 and 22,182 for the Indians weekend series, which was a battle for first place. And the only reason Saturday's crowd hit the 27,000 mark was because it was a Robin Ventura bobblehead giveaway.

The team will return home to play Seattle ranked 11th among 14 AL teams in attendance.

"It's a heck of an advantage when you have that kind of support," Williams said. "Absent of that, we'll go through our day to-day-grind and hopefully at some point in time we'll get people's attention."

And of course, Williams brought up the fact that attendance also gives him a bit more freedom to add to the roster and challenge for the division.

"Of course," Williams said. "Every day that you don't fill the seats at least to a greater degree that we are, it hurts. We've been able to find ways over the years to creatively add and improve the team.

"It's par for the course. That's nothing that's going to stop the creative juices from flowing to try to get something done."

NOTES, QUOTES

--LHP Chris Sale fell one strikeout shy of the White Sox franchise record on Monday, fanning 15 in a 2-1 victory over the Rays. The record of 16 was set by Jack Harshman on May 29, 2012 Page 52 of 87

July 25, 1954. Sale improved to 6-2 and lowered his ERA to 2.34. "He was great," manager Robin Ventura said. "It was special. There are days you just have it and you know it. Pitch count was about right where it needed to be. He was getting ahead and making good pitches." As far as the 15 strikeouts being one shy of the record, Ventura said of Sale, "He's probably going to have a chance at it someday."

--LHP John Danks might not need a minor league rehab stint after all. At least that's the feeling expressed by general manager Ken Williams on Monday. Danks (left shoulder strain) was placed on the disabled list on May 25, but retroactive to May 20, and the hope was he would miss only two starts. Williams said the southpaw already was feeling better and that he expected him to come off the disabled list on schedule.

--1B/DH Adam Dunn connected on home run No. 16 on Monday, after hitting only 11 last season, his first year with the White Sox after he signed a four-year, $56 million free agent contract. "That's what happens when you get guys on, and he can do some damage," Ventura said of Dunn's two-run shot. "He's done that a few times for us this season."

--LHP Matt Thornton thinks it's no coincidence that the White Sox are 27-22 under first- year manager Robin Ventura. As far as Thornton was concerned, Ventura came into spring camp preaching a positive message and that has had a carry-over effect. "He's a nice guy, he really is, he's very low key, but he's a very strong person, too," Thornton said. "He knows the game of baseball. They have a great staff behind him. You see the pieces we have. We are out playing the game hard, playing the game the right way. Robin will have your back when you are struggling. You see the offense turning now and I think that comes from having a staff that never says bad about you."

--RHP Philip Humber wants to start finding some consistency, as he takes the mound on Tuesday at 0-2 with a 8.22 ERA in six starts since pitching a perfect game against Seattle on April 21. He's allowed 28 earned runs in 30 2/3 innings in that time. In three career games against the Rays, Humber is 1-1 with a 3.78 ERA.

BY THE NUMBERS: .327 -- The batting average for the White Sox in their recent 5-1 homestand against Minnesota and Cleveland. They also hit 14 home runs in those six games.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Not everyone likes me, I know that. That's the nature of the game. This is not a position to be liked by everyone. I'm fair, I think I'm fair about it, but my personality with you guys is different than when I'm with the team. It's just different. I don't sit up and think, 'Oh, I need this guy to like me, I need to talk to him.' I can only be upfront with them." -- Manager Robin Ventura, on the idea of his clubhouse liking him.

ROSTER REPORT

MEDICAL WATCH:

--LHP John Danks (soreness in back of left shoulder) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 20. He hopes to return June 5. May 29, 2012 Page 53 of 87

--3B Brent Morel (lumbar back strain) went on the 15-day disabled list May 22, retroactive to May 18. He began testing his back over the May 26-27 weekend.

ROTATION:

RHP Jake Peavy

RHP Gavin Floyd

RHP Phil Humber

LHP Chris Sale

LHP Jose Quintana

BULLPEN:

RHP Addison Reed (closer)

RHP Jesse Crain

LHP Hector Santiago

LHP Matt Thornton

RHP Zach Stewart

LHP Will Ohman

RHP Nate Jones

CATCHERS:

A.J. Pierzynski

Tyler Flowers

INFIELDERS:

1B Paul Konerko

2B Gordon Beckham

SS Alexei Ramirez

3B Eduardo Escobar May 29, 2012 Page 54 of 87

DH Adam Dunn

INF Orlando Hudson

INF/OF Brent Lillibridge

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Dayan Viciedo

CF Alejandro De Aza

RF Alex Rios

OF Kosuke Fukudome

Cleveland Indians Team Notes

INSIDE PITCH

Even without three big guns, Indians end three-game skid

Bruised and battered as they are, the Indians managed to put together 14 hits in an 8-5 victory over the Royals on Monday. The victory snapped Cleveland's three-game losing streak.

That losing streak occurred over the weekend, when the Indians lost the 3-4-5 hitters in their lineup to injuries.

No. 3 hitter Asdrubal Cabrera is out because of a strained hamstring. No. 4 hitter Travis Hafner is out because of a sore right knee, and No. 5 hitter Carlos Santana is on the seven-day disabled list because of a mild concussion.

All those injuries could seemingly have devastated the Indians' lineup, however the offense isn't the reason the Indians went into Monday's game with a three-game losing streak.

All three of those losses were to the White Sox in Chicago over the weekend, but not because of a lack of offense. The Indians scored 16 runs in the three games, but lost them all.

They scored eight more on Monday, meaning they have scored 24 runs in their last four games, but lost three of them. The injuries have caused manager Manny Acta to have to be creative with his lineups. May 29, 2012 Page 55 of 87

Infielder Jose Lopez, who was released by the Indians on May 1, is the new cleanup hitter. Lopez was re-signed after he cleared waivers, and has played well since his return.

In Monday's game, the bottom third of the Indians' starting lineup had a combined no home runs and no RBI.

That could be because all three of them have spent virtually all of the 2012 season in the minor leagues.

No. 7 hitter Lonnie Chisenhall was recalled from Columbus before Monday's game. No. 8 hitter Luke Carlin was called up from Columbus on May 26, and No. 9 hitter Juan Diaz was recalled from Class AA Akron on May 25.

Chisenhall will play third base in place of Jack Hannahan, who was placed on the disabled list Monday because of a strained left calf.

Carlin is the backup for catcher Lou Marson, who is the starter until Santana comes off the disabled list. Diaz was called up to play shortstop until Cabrera is able to play again.

It's a makeshift lineup, but it's been producing runs in the last four games. Unfortunately for the Indians they only won one of those games, but it hasn't been because of a lack of offense.

NOTES, QUOTES

--3B Jack Hannahan, who missed 11 games because of soreness in his lower back, was placed on the disabled list Monday because of a strained left calf. Hannahan injured his calf while rehabbing his back.

--DH Travis Hafner has missed the last five games because of right knee soreness. "We hope to have him back in the next couple of days," general manager Chris Antonetti said.

--3B Lonnie Chisenhall was recalled from Class AAA Columbus Monday to replace 3B Jack Hannahan, who was placed on the disabled list because of a strained left calf. In 111 at bats at Columbus, Chisenhall batted .324 with four home runs and 17 RBI.

--SS Asdrubal Cabrera, who has missed the last three games because of a strained hamstring, could be returning to the lineup soon. "He's close," manager Manny Acta said. "I wouldn't say he'll play Tuesday, but he's close."

--RHP Jairo Asencio was designated for assignment Monday to make room on the roster for RHP Josh Tomlin, who was activated off the disabled list. Asencio was 1-1 with a 5.96 ERA in 18 relief appearances. His departure means the Indians, who have carried seven relievers for most of the season, are currently carrying six.

BY THE NUMBERS: 13-6 -- The Indians' record in their last 19 home games. That streak comes after the team started the year by losing six of its first eight home games. May 29, 2012 Page 56 of 87

QUOTE TO NOTE: "He's one of those whatever-it-takes guys. We could use seven more like him." -- Manager Manny Acta, on 2B Jason Kipnis, who was 3-for-4 Monday and in his last five games is hitting .500 (12-for-24).

ROSTER REPORT

MEDICAL WATCH:

--DH Travis Hafner (sore right knee) did not play May 24-28. GM Chris Antonetti said May 28 that he hoped Hafner could return in a few days.

--SS Asdrubal Cabrera (strained left hamstring) did not play May 26-28. He is day-to- day.

--C Carlos Santana (concussion) went on the seven-day disabled list May 26.

--RHP Josh Tomlin (intersection syndrome, right wrist) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 8. He did some long tossing at 75 feet on May 18, and he threw a 30- pitch bullpen session May 22. He threw a 50-pitch simulated game May 24, and he was activated May 28.

--3B Jack Hannahan (left calf strain) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 27. He had been out May 14-23 due to lower back stiffness.

--LHP Rafael Perez (strained left lat muscle) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 26, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 26.

--OF Grady Sizemore (back surgery in March 2012) went on the 60-day disabled list April 4. He was cleared to begin baseball activities in late April and took live batting practice May 16, but manager Manny Acta said he was unlikely to be ready June 3, the first day he'll be eligible to be activated. There is no timetable for Sizemore's return.

--RHP Carlos Carrasco (Tommy John surgery in September 2011) went on the 60-day disabled list March 26. He might miss the entire season.

ROTATION:

RHP Justin Masterson

RHP Ubaldo Jimenez

RHP Derek Lowe

RHP Jeanmar Gomez

RHP Josh Tomlin May 29, 2012 Page 57 of 87

BULLPEN:

RHP Chris Perez (closer)

RHP Joe Smith

RHP Vinnie Pestano

LHP Tony Sipp

RHP Jeremy Accardo

LHP Nick Hagadone

CATCHERS:

Luke Carlin

Lou Marson

INFIELDERS:

1B Casey Kotchman

2B Jason Kipnis

SS Asdrubal Cabrera

3B Lonnie Chisenhall

INF Jose Lopez

DH Travis Hafner

INF Juan Diaz

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Johnny Damon

CF Michael Brantley

RF Shin-Soo Choo

OF Shelley Duncan

OF Aaron Cunningham May 29, 2012 Page 58 of 87

Detroit Tigers Team Notes

INSIDE PITCH

Tigers learn three strikes don't always mean an out

Organizations teach their players to "play over it" when it comes to dealing with adversity.

Whether it's errors, misplays or umpiring decisions, players are told to shrug it off and focus on the next pitch or play.

Sometimes it's hard to do, though, especially when you team is underachieving and it seems every critical call has a negative impact on the result.

The inability of Detroit and Doug Fister to choke off a three-run Boston rally in the second inning Monday after an apparent third out was negated by the decision of two umpires played a big part in the Red Sox snapping the Tigers' three-game winning streak, 7-4.

Boston had two out and a man on second when Mike Aviles swung and apparently missed an 0-and-2 breaking ball that it seemed Gerald Laird caught before it hit dirt.

Home plate umpire Jeff Nelson appealed to first base umpire Bill Welke after Aviles apparently claimed to have fouled the pitch and the first base umpire ruled the ball had been tipped down into the dirt, with Laird caught it on the rebound.

Replays indicated Aviles missed the breaking ball and clearly showed Laird caught the ball above the dirt.

Aviles took a ball, then rifled an RBI single to center, which was followed by a run- scoring double and then another RBI base hit. Fister ended up allowing six runs on 11 hits in five-plus innings.

"That's one of those calls I feel has got to be made," Laird said. "It's a tough call. For the most part it's a big situation in the game. It's a strikeout, out of the inning and no runs.

"When you give a teams like that opportunity after opportunity, more outs, they're going to take advantage of it.

"It was a big play in the game. Unfortunately it didn't go our way. I caught the ball. It wasn't even a question. They got a tough job to do and you know they're doing their best out there. It's just frustrating, because it could have been a different outcome."

Once the inning was over, Tigers' third base coach Gene Lamont was ejected for yapping about the call and when manager Jim Leyland came out, he was thumbed as well. May 29, 2012 Page 59 of 87

It was the third time Leyland has been ejected from a game this season. The most recent was on May 24 in Cleveland, when he and first base coach Tom Brookens were kicked out for protesting that a balk should have been called on the Indians' Justin Masterson, who admittedly quick-pitched Andy Dirks.

Dirks fouled to first on the play, whirling about a third of the way down the line to wonder aloud why a balk was not called.

Leyland probably will draw a fine for Monday's post-game tirade about the call that prolonged Boston's inning.

"There shouldn't have been a second-inning rally," Leyland said, his outrage overflowing. "There was three outs. I've been in the game a long time. When the catcher catches the ball and it's strike three, you call the guy out. It's that simple, isn't it?

"You guys need to write something and hold people accountable. You know what, we're all accountable in this business. All of us are accountable. And when I say all of us, I mean everybody that's involved in the game needs to be held accountable. That's exactly what needs to be done. There should not have been a rally in that inning.

"Now anybody that saw that, have the nerve to write what you saw and say it. Because I'm not going to sit here and rip umpires. But you saw what you saw, clearly saw what you saw. I just saw it for the 10th time (on a replay). Write it and say something once in a while. Have the nerve to say something."

Fister, for his part, acknowledged the time-honored teachings.

"I didn't get things done," Fister said. "I left a lot of balls out over the plate. I can't speak on that (umpires' decision). I've got to execute and I've got to do my part. And that's all I can do.

"That's part of the game, the human element in the game. That's what we agreed to. It's sheer my execution."

The three-run second broke a 1-1 tie and Boston added solo runs in the third, sixth and eighth while Detroit trailed, 7-2, before Jhonny Peralta hit a two-run home run with two out in the ninth.

The defeat put Detroit two games below .500, while Boston, which started its season with three losses in Detroit, reached .500 for the first time this year.

NOTES, QUOTES

--RHP Luis Marte, whose Detroit debut was delayed by a pulled left hamstring, finally saw his first action of the season Monday for the Tigers. Marte pitched the final three innings of Detroit's 7-4 loss at Boston, allowing a run with two out in the bottom of the eighth. Marte showed a moving low-90s fastball and a tough slider. He entered after RHP May 29, 2012 Page 60 of 87

Doug Fister gave up three straight hits and a run to open the sixth and got three quick outs, two on strikeouts. Marte retired seven in a row with relatively few pitches until giving up a one-out single and a two-out double in the eighth.

--C Gerald Laird hit a solo home run in the fifth inning Monday and was part of a controversial second-inning call that led to Detroit giving up three two-out runs and the ejection of manager Jim Leyland, plus third base coach Gene Lamont. In dispute was an 0-and-2 breaking ball to SS Mike Aviles that replays showed Laird caught cleanly for the third out, regardless of whether it was tipped or not. First base umpire Bill Welke ruled on appeal from home plate umpire Jeff Nelson the ball was fouled into the dirt. Aviles followed with an RBI single on a 1-and-2 pitch then the Red Sox got two more RBI hits, a double and single, to take a 4-1 lead. "That's one of those calls I feel has got to be made," Laird said. "It's a tough call. For the most part it's a big situation in the game. It's a strikeout, out of the inning and no runs. When you give a teams like that opportunity after opportunity, more outs, they're going to take advantage of it. It was a big play in the game. Unfortunately it didn't go our way. I caught the ball. It wasn't even a question. They got a tough job to do and you know they're doing their best out there. It's just frustrating, because it could have been a different outcome."

--CF Quintin Berry has hit safely in all six Major League games in which he has played. "It's been amazing, especially getting to come to these ballparks," Berry said. "Playing in front of this many fans, it's been unreal, like a dream. No more peanut butter and jelly sandwiches."

--RF Ryan Raburn has been dogged by hard hitting luck at times this season, but Monday he made contact only once. Raburn was placed second in the batting order in hopes he might get on track with a diet of fastballs because he was placed between CF Quintin Berry and 3B Miguel Cabrera. But after flying out to left in his first time up, Raburn took a third strike in his next three at-bats. He was on the bereavement list for three games last week and was 2-for-8 in two games at Minnesota. "He didn't swing the bat," manager Jim Leyland said. "Didn't swing the bat. He took too many pitches." Raburn has struggled in the first half of each of the last three seasons.

--RHP Doug Fister couldn't pitch past some second-inning adversity Monday and it cost him three runs and his third loss in as many decisions. Detroit felt Fister had struck out SS Mike Aviles on an 0-and-2 pitch with two out and a man on second, but it was ruled he fouled off the ball and C Gerald Laird caught the ball after it hit the dirt. Replays indicated the Tigers were correct, but Aviles took his second life and got an RBI single, which was followed by an RBI double and single to put Boston on top, 4-1. Fister was tagged for 11 hits and six runs, driven out by three straight singles to start the sixth. "Dougie wasn't real sharp," manager Jim Leyland said. "He was getting ahead, but he wasn't making pitches when he got ahead." "I didn't get things done," Fister said. "I left a lot of balls out over the plate. I can't speak on that (umpires' decision). I've got to execute and I've got to do my part. And that's all I can do. That's part of the game, the human element in the game. That's what we agreed to. It's sheer my execution."

--DH Delmon Young might miss Detroit's Tuesday night game in Boston because he's due in Manhattan court earlier that day for a hearing in relation to his arrest April 27 in May 29, 2012 Page 61 of 87

New York. He was charged with misdemeanor aggravated harassment that entails targeting someone for his or her religious beliefs. Young could face up to a year in jail if convicted. The Tigers have a night game against the Red Sox and a flight has been arranged for Young, but the length of the hearing could keep Young from making the flight. Young's third home run of the season, in the second inning, briefly tied the score Monday, 1-1.

--RHP Jose Valverde was given Monday off by manager Jim Leyland after working three straight games in Minnesota. Valverde did not pitch for 10 days after straining his lower back, although he was available after a week. He pitched an inning in the first game then saved the next two as the Tigers swept the Twins. "He is terrific," Leyland said. "Outstanding closer, he's an outstanding guy. He takes the ball for me. He told me he'd take it if I wanted him to. But I could tell, when I talked to him, that if he got a day off, it would be good for him."

--CF Austin Jackson did not make the trip to Boston as anticipated Monday because of lingering soreness in his abdomen. Jackson instead remained in Detroit to continue treatment. He felt he was not ready for batting practice or serious running. The Tigers don't need to rush him back with rookie CF Quintin Berry playing well in his first exposure to Major League baseball.

BY THE NUMBERS: 20 -- Victories by RHP Justin Verlander following a Detroit loss in the last two seasons. He'll try for No. 21 on Tuesday night in Boston after the Red Sox defeated the Tigers, 7-4, Monday.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "There shouldn't have been a second-inning rally. There was three outs. I've been in the game a long time when the catcher catches the ball and it's strike three, you call the guy out. It's that simple, isn't it? You guys need to write something and hold people accountable. You know what, we're all accountable in this business. All of us are accountable. And when I say all of us, I mean everybody that's involved in the game needs to be held accountable. That's exactly what needs to be done. There should not have been a rally in that inning. Now anybody that saw that, have the nerve to write what you saw and say it. Because I'm not going to sit here and rip umpires. But you saw what you saw, clearly saw what you saw. I just saw it for the 10th time (on a replay). Write it and say something once in a while. Have the nerve to say something." -- Manager Jim Leyland, who was ejected for the third time this season Monday and second time in Detroit's current trip for disputing an umpire's decision.

ROSTER REPORT

MEDICAL WATCH:

--CF Austin Jackson (abdominal soreness) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 17. It's not certain if he will play any rehab games, but he might be able to return as soon as he is eligible.

--LHP Daniel Schlereth (left shoulder tendinitis) went on the 15-day disabled list May 7 after it was determined his injury occurred while he was pitching for the Tigers. The May 29, 2012 Page 62 of 87

move was backdated to April 21. He saw a specialist May 15 after cutting short a May 11 throwing session. Surgery isn't necessary, and he will continue to rest.

--RHP Al Alburquerque (right elbow surgery in December 2011) went on the 15-day disabled list April 3, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on April 24. He won't be back with the Tigers before midseason.

--C/DH Victor Martinez (microfracture left knee surgery in January 2012) went on the 60-day disabled list March 12. He will miss the entire season.

ROTATION:

RHP Justin Verlander

RHP Max Scherzer

RHP Rick Porcello

LHP Drew Smyly

RHP Doug Fister

BULLPEN:

RHP Jose Valverde (closer)

RHP Joaquin Benoit

RHP Octavio Dotel

LHP Phil Coke

LHP Duane Below

RHP Brayan Villarreal

RHP Luis Marte

CATCHERS:

Alex Avila

Gerald Laird

INFIELDERS:

1B Prince Fielder May 29, 2012 Page 63 of 87

2B Ramon Santiago

SS Jhonny Peralta

3B Miguel Cabrera

INF Danny Worth

INF/OF Don Kelly

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Andy Dirks

CF Quintin Berry

RF Brennan Boesch

OF Delmon Young

OF/INF Ryan Raburn

Kansas City Royals Team Notes

INSIDE PITCH

Adcock gets early hook and a trip back to minors

Right-hander Nate Adcock pitched his way back to the minor leagues Monday with a combination of a bad start and quick exit.

Adcock gave up five runs, four earned, on six hits before being pulled in a five-run third inning in an 8-5 loss to the Indians.

With Adcock out after 2 1/3 innings, Royals manager Ned Yost was forced to use right- hander Luis Mendoza for 58 pitches and 3 2/3 innings against the Indians.

That left the Royals without an available long reliever for Tuesday when rookie left- hander Will Smith makes his second big league start. He lasted only 3 1/3 innings in his first start, a loss to the Yankees.

So after the Memorial Day loss at Cleveland, the Royals optioned Adcock to Class AAA Omaha in the Pacific Coast League and recalled right-hander Vin Mazzaro from the Storm Chasers. May 29, 2012 Page 64 of 87

Mazzaro was up earlier with the Royals, going 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA in two games, including one start, before being optioned May 17 to Omaha. He allowed seven hits and three runs in six innings in his first stint.

Mazzaro will serve as the long reliever. He has not pitched since May 25 at New Orleans, when he yielded one run on six hits in 6 2/3 innings, while striking out five and walking none.

Adcock returns to Omaha with an 0-3 record and a 3.74 ERA.

NOTES, QUOTES

--C Brayan Pena home run for the first time in a year on Monday. Pena's previous home run was May 29, 2011, at Texas. He went 222 at-bats without a home run, ending the longest homer-less drought by an active Royals player.

--1B Eric Hosmer hit a home run Monday for the first time in more than a month. Hosmer had not hit a home runs since April 27, going a span of 105 at-bats between home runs. Hosmer went 1-for-4, maintaining his .202 average.

--RF Jeff Francoeur went 1-for-3 with a walk to extend his hitting streak to eight games. Francoeur is 16-for-32 during the streak.

--CF Jarrod Dyson returned to the starting lineup after missing the game Sunday because of a bruised right hamstring, which he suffered in a collision Saturday with LF Alex Gordon at Baltimore. Dyson, however, was dropped to eighth in the batting order for the first time. Dyson had batted leadoff in 24 games. He becomes the eighth Royal to bat eighth this season in manager Ned Yost's perpetually changing batting orders. The bruised leg did not seem to hamper Dyson, who hit a triple and came home on a throwing error. He also walked and scored another run in the 8-5 loss.

--RHP Vin Mazzaro was recalled Monday from Class AAA Omaha. Mazzaro was 2-0 with a 4.440 ERA in eight Pacific Coast League starts, giving up 51 hits in 47 innings, while striking out 39 and walking 11. Mazzaro will be used a long reliever.

BY THE NUMBERS: 4-13 -- The Royals' record in series openers.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'll have to break something to keep me out." -- CF Jarrod Dyson, on returning to the lineup after sitting out the game Sunday with a right hamstring bruise.

ROSTER REPORT

MEDICAL WATCH:

--C Salvador Perez (left knee surgery in March 2012) went on the 60-day disabled list March 20. He caught three innings in an extended spring game May 24. He could return to the majors by mid- to late June if he has no setbacks. May 29, 2012 Page 65 of 87

--LHP Jonathan Sanchez (left biceps tendinitis) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 8. He left May 17 to pitch in extended spring games before reporting to a minor league affiliate for some rehab starts. He played in an extended spring training game May 24. He is scheduled to make a minor league rehab start May 29 for Class AAA Omaha against Iowa.

--INF Yuniesky Betancourt (high right ankle sprain) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 2. He began a rehab assignment with Class AA Northwest Arkansas on May 24.

--LHP Danny Duffy (torn ulnar collateral ligament) went on the 15-day disabled list May 14. He will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery May 31.

--2B Chris Getz (bruised left ribcage) went on the 15-day disabled list May 22.

--LHP Everett Teaford (lower abdominal strain) went on the 15-day disabled list May 19.

--RHP Blake Wood (sore right elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 26, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 22. He underwent season- ending Tommy John surgery May 24.

--CF Lorenzo Cain (left groin strain) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 11. He began a rehab assignment with Class AA Northwest Arkansas on April 22, but he sustained a strained left hip flexor April 24.

--C Manny Pina (right knee surgery in February 2012) went on the 60-day disabled list March 20. He is expected to be out until at least June.

--RHP Joakim Soria (Tommy John surgery in April 2012) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 26, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 3. He will miss the season.

ROTATION:

LHP Bruce Chen

RHP Luke Hochevar

RHP Felipe Paulino

LHP Will Smith

BULLPEN:

RHP Jonathan Broxton (closer)

RHP Luis Mendoza May 29, 2012 Page 66 of 87

RHP Aaron Crow

LHP Jose Mijares

RHP Kelvin Herrera

LHP Tim Collins

RHP Greg Holland

RHP Louis Coleman

RHP Vin Mazzaro

CATCHERS:

Humberto Quintero

Brayan Pena

INFIELDERS:

1B Eric Hosmer

2B Irving Falu

SS Alcides Escobar

3B Mike Moustakas

INF Billy Butler

INF Johnny Giavotella

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Alex Gordon

CF Jarrod Dyson

RF Jeff Francoeur

OF Mitch Maier

May 29, 2012 Page 67 of 87

Minnesota Twins Team Notes

INSIDE PITCH

Marquis becomes a free agent; Twins eat $3 million

The Twins and right-hander Jason Marquis are no longer a couple. The veteran cleared release waivers and can now sign with any team, although the Twins are on the hook for his $3 million salary.

Marquis was 2-4 with an 8.47 earned-run average in seven starts with Minnesota. Asked if there were a chance the Twins could bring Marquis back and let him work out his issues at Class AAA Rochester, general manager Terry Ryan said no.

"I think we're going to move on," Ryan said. "I suspect that probably would be a mutual feeling. He doesn't need to be pitching at Triple-A; he's beyond that. He may end up signing with another club who might put him at Triple-A and get him stretched out and acclimated. I don't think that's what we should do."

Marquis is one of six players from the Twins' active roster that have been designated for assignment this season; three of them -- Marquis, infielder Luke Hughes and outfielder Erik Komatsu -- are no longer with the organization.

Infielder Sean Burroughs, left-hander Matt Maloney and outfielder Clete Thomas are playing for Rochester.

"You only designate guys because you have to have a quick turnaround," Ryan said. "A lot of time you'll see clubs that end up sending people out but they run them through waivers first, outrights.

"Sometimes you don't have time to do that; that's why you designate a guy."

On Sunday the Twins designated Komatsu for release so they could add a 13th pitcher to the active roster, right-hander Jeff Manship.

"That's not the norm, there's no doubt," Ryan said. "I wouldn't want to do that in a normal situation. Yesterday, for instance, we needed a pitcher and we needed him quick.

"We could have done a few different things and we decided to do the Komatsu thing, and the only way I could do it, would be to designate him."

The Twins also released right-hander Joel Zumaya from the roster after he blew out his elbow in training camp.

May 29, 2012 Page 68 of 87

NOTES, QUOTES

--RHP Matt Capps didn't have to wait long to atone for his first blown save of the season, pitching a scary but scoreless ninth to nail down a 5-4 victory over Oakland on Monday. In a 4-3 loss to Detroit Sunday, Capps gave up the tying and winning runs on a two-run home run by Miguel Cabrera in the ninth and was booed off the field, not an uncommon occurrence over his last two seasons in Minnesota. Last year he blew nine saves and went 4-7 with a 9.25 ERA, so Twins fans have him on a short leash. Monday's save was his 10th in 11 opportunities. Still, he was greeted by boos when he entered the game. Capps doesn't like it, but he understands it and lives with it. "I'd be lying, and I wouldn't be human, if I didn't feel something," he said. "Nobody likes that, especially in their home ballpark. But like I said, this organization here pays me to do a job and no matter what their fans think, this organization still expects it out of me and I've got to go out and do it."

--LHP Scott Diamond didn't get a decision Monday but gave Minnesota a quality start in a 5-4 victory over Oakland. It's his fourth quality start in five outings since being recalled from Class AAA Rochester on May 7. He gave up three earned runs on nine hits and a walk. "Every time, it's a different team," Diamond said. "I haven't faced Oakland. I really didn't know a lot of those hitters. I feel comfortable on the mound, but once again, it's having to adjust and get to know certain hitters and learn as the game goes on."

--3B Danny Valencia seems to be finding his stroke at Class AAA Rochester, hitting .310 (13-for-42) with two home runs and nine RBI in his last 10 games with the Red Wings. "It's not as consistent yet as we want," general manager Terry Ryan said. "We'll continue to monitor." Valencia was batting .190 with one home run and 11 RBI in 27 games when the Twins sent him back to Rochester for the first time since he was first called up in June, 2010. His defense, a sore spot with management last season, was fine, they said. It's mostly about his bat. He led the team with 72 RBI in 2011 and they need him to keep driving in runs. That's why his one walk in 56 minor league at-bats doesn't particularly concern Ryan. "He's a run-producer, and we're not in the mode to go up looking for a walk," Ryan said. "He should be looking to drive a ball and get some runs. The littler guys that are not run-producers, yeah, you want them to walk. Guys like Valencia, you them to jump on a strike and drive a ball into the gap.".

--The Twins on Monday became the first team to record a run off Oakland RHP Ryan Cook, scoring two in the eighth inning to rally past the A's, 5-4, at Target Field. Cook had given up only four hits and no runs in 21 appearances before Sunday, and there was plenty of chatter about it in the dugout. "We had a conversation about thatm too," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "Everybody should have stats, and he had none." It took an infield single by Joe Mauer, a bloop double by Justin Morneau, a walk by Josh Willingham and a sacrifice fly by Ryan Doumit. "We definitely wanted to give him an ERA," Willingham said. Mission accomplished: It's 0.75.

--1B Justin Morneau had two RBI in Monday's 5-4 victory over Oakland, one on a sacrifice fly, the other on a double. That gives him 734 for his career, passing Rod Carew (733) for sixth on the Twins' career list. The double tied him for seventh with Michael Cuddyer (239) on the team's doubles list. May 29, 2012 Page 69 of 87

BY THE NUMBERS: 69 -- Big-league-leading double-play total for the Twins defense, including three in Monday's 5-4 victory over Oakland.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "It's disappointing to see a guy get booed when he's coming in the game, but I think he's 10-for-11 in save opportunities. ... He's having a pretty good year. He had a little hiccup (Sunday), but there hasn't been too many perfect seasons for closers. It's disappointing to see that sometimes, but obviously people's expectations are high, just as ours are." -- 1B Justin Morneau, on the greeting closer Matt Capps got Monday, a day after he gave up a ninth-inning, game-winning run to Miguel Cabrera in a 4-3 loss to Detroit.

ROSTER REPORT

MEDICAL WATCH:

--RHP Alex Burnett (elbow soreness) was unable to pitch May 25. He was back in action May 28.

--RHP Nick Blackburn (strained left quadriceps) went on the 15-day disabled list May 17. He is scheduled to throw a bullpen session May 26. He will begin a two-game rehab stint with Class AAA Rochester on May 29.

--RHP Kyle Waldrop (right elbow strain) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 26. He began pitching in extended spring training games April 30. He began a rehab assignment with Class A Fort Myers on May 12. He had a second MRI taken of his right elbow and was given clearance to complete his rehab assignment, which continued May 27 with another outing for Fort Myers.

--RHP Scott Baker (Tommy John surgery in April 2012) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 26, and was transferred to the 60-day DL on April 14. He is out for the season.

ROTATION:

RHP Carl Pavano

LHP Scott Diamond

RHP P.J. Walters

RHP Cole DeVries

LHP Francisco Liriano

BULLPEN:

RHP Matt Capps (closer) May 29, 2012 Page 70 of 87

RHP Anthony Swarzak

LHP Glen Perkins

LHP Brian Duensing

RHP Alex Burnett

RHP Jared Burton

RHP Jeff Gray

RHP Jeff Manship

CATCHERS:

Joe Mauer

Drew Butera

Ryan Doumit

INFIELDERS:

1B Justin Morneau

2B Jamey Carroll

SS Brian Dozier

3B Alexi Casilla

INF/OF Trevor Plouffe

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Josh Willingham

CF Denard Span

OF Darin Mastroianni

OF Ben Revere

May 29, 2012 Page 71 of 87

Oakland Athletics Team Notes

INSIDE PITCH

Starting to get healthy, A's will have decisions to make

Oakland's obvious move when bringing third baseman Brandon Inge back from the disabled list on Monday would have been to send out the man who had been filling in at third, Josh Donaldson.

Instead, Donaldson, a converted catcher, became the A's backup catcher when the team optioned out Anthony Recker, instead.

Recker, who was batting .129 in 13 games, and manager Bob Melvin said he needs to get some regular at-bats at Class AAA Sacramento. Plus, the A's have a second back-up catcher if needed: Inge.

Donaldson probably will still see some time at third, with the A's not wanting to overuse Inge right when he's returned from a groin strain. Plus, manager Bob Melvin said before the team's 5-4 loss at Minnesota, Donaldson could play at first base.

This is an interesting development. The A's have two left-handed hitting first baseman, Kila Ka'aihue and Daric Barton, and Donaldson is a right-handed hitter.

Plus, the A's have Manny Ramirez potentially joining the team this week, and Ka'aihue or Barton might be the odd man out. Barton has options remaining, and Ka'aihue, who hit a home run on Monday, does not.

The A's expect to get two others off the disabled list this week, following Inge. Yoenis Cespedes is expected to return Friday and Brandon McCarthy on Saturday.

McCarthy threw a bullpen session on Monday and said he is ready to go Saturday.

NOTES, QUOTES

--DH Manny Ramirez had two hits and drove a ball to the warning track at Class AAA Sacramento on Monday. He also drove in a run and is batting .250. He is eligible to join the A's on Wednesday, but Friday at Kansas City appears more likely.

--OF Yoenis Cespedes went 1-for-3 and played six innings in a rehab assignment at Class AAA Sacramento on Monday. Cespedes, who is on the disabled list because of a muscle strain in his left hand, is expected to rejoin the A's on Friday at Kansas City.

--RHP Neil Wagner was claimed off waivers by the Padres, clearing a spot on the 40-man roster. Wagner, a reliever, was 1-1 with a save, two blown saves and a 5.49 ERA in 15 games with Class AAA Sacramento. May 29, 2012 Page 72 of 87

--C Anthony Recker was optioned to Class AAA Sacramento in order to clear a roster spot for 3B Brandon Inge. Recker was batting .129 with no home runs or RBI in 13 games. UTL Josh Donaldson becomes the A's backup catcher.

--3B Brandon Inge came off the disabled list after missing 15 days because of a groin strain. He started at third and batted fifth. He walked once and grounded into a double play that scored a run.

--RHP Ryan Cook had his season-opening scoreless streak end at 23 innings. Cook, a rookie, allowed two runs in the eighth inning at Minnesota on Monday. His streak was the longest in franchise history since at least 1918 for a player on the Opening Day roster.

BY THE NUMBERS: 24 -- Innings without a hit with runners in scoring position by the A's before Kurt Suzuki's RBI single in the eighth inning Monday.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'm at the point where I'm ready to boo myself. ... Hope, pray, voodoo, magic, whatever it takes to get it right." -- OF Coco Crisp, who is 2-for-29 since coming off the disabled list and left eight men on base Monday.

ROSTER REPORT

MEDICAL WATCH:

--3B Brandon Inge (groin strain) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 13. He resumed baseball activities May 21, and he began a rehab assignment with Class AAA Sacramento on May 25. He was activated May 28.

--RHP Brandon McCarthy (shoulder strain) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 18. He expects to be ready to come off when eligible on June 2.

--CF Yoenis Cespedes (muscle strain on back of left hand) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 7. He began swinging fungo bats May 21, and he swung a regular bat May 22. He participated in batting practice May 25 and 26, and he began a rehab assignment with Class AAA Sacramento on May 28. He could join the A's in Kansas City on June 1.

--LHP Dallas Braden (left shoulder surgery in May 2011) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 24. He was moved to the 60-day DL on April 22. Braden played catch several times in early May but was not yet on a throwing program after being shut down in late March. He is unlikely to return before midseason.

--LHP Brett Anderson (Tommy John surgery in July 2011) went on the 60-day disabled list March 13. He threw 30 pitches to hitters at extended spring training on April 27, and then pitched again in extended spring training May 9. He could return in July. May 29, 2012 Page 73 of 87

--RHP Joey Devine (Tommy John surgery in April 2012) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 24, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 15. He will miss the entire season.

--3B Scott Sizemore (left knee surgery in March 2012) went on the 60-day disabled list March 3. He will miss the entire season.

ROTATION:

RHP Bartolo Colon

LHP Tommy Milone

RHP Tyson Ross

RHP Jarrod Parker

LHP Travis Blackley

BULLPEN:

RHP Grant Balfour (closer)

LHP Brian Fuentes

LHP Jerry Blevins

RHP Ryan Cook

LHP Jordan Norberto

RHP Andrew Carignan

RHP Jim Miller

CATCHERS:

Kurt Suzuki

Josh Donaldson

INFIELDERS:

1B Daric Barton

2B Jemile Weeks May 29, 2012 Page 74 of 87

SS Cliff Pennington

3B Brandon Inge

INF Adam Rosales

INF Kila Ka'aihue

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Jonny Gomes

CF Coco Crisp

RF Josh Reddick

OF Collin Cowgill

OF Seth Smith

Seattle Mariners Team Notes

INSIDE PITCH

Millwood continues to impress in loss

Kevin Millwood, a relatively inexpensive addition to the Mariners during the offseason, continues to pay dividends.

The veteran right-hander came into his Memorial Day start against the Texas Rangers riding a streak of 17 consecutive scoreless innings. And after the Rangers scored 34 runs in a series against the Blue Jays, they got just one run off Millwood in his five innings Monday. The Mariners still lost 4-2.

He could have gone deeper into the game, manager Eric Wedge said, but with the load his pitchers have had to take with 20 games in 20 days and 36 games in 37 days over a longer stretch, the manager didn't want to push it.

And then there was the heat -- 93 degrees in Arlington, Texas, at first pitch.

"With the workload we've had and the heat, we weren't going to push him," Wedge said. "We don't want one inning to affect his next start or his next couple of starts."

The Mariners get a day off Thursday, and all of Wedge's starters are likely to go on an extra day's rest the next time around. May 29, 2012 Page 75 of 87

NOTES, QUOTES

--LF Chone Figgins, getting his second straight start after being demoted earlier this month, ended an 0-for-24 skid with a double in the first inning, his first hit since April 29. The games Sunday and Monday were the first back-to-back starts for Figgins since May 2-3.

--RHP Kevin Millwood's six-inning, one-run performance against the Rangers Monday continued a good trend for the veteran. Although he didn't get a decision and his streak of scoreless innings ended at 18, he has allowed just one run in his last 22 innings.

--SS Brendan Ryan's triple in the eighth inning scored Michael Saunders from first base, but manager Eric Wedge wasn't pleased that Ryan was thrown out at the plate on a bang- bang play. "He's always going to play all-out, but it's obvious that if we are going to send him there, he needs to be safe," Ryan said.

--RF Ichiro Suzuki's single in the sixth inning was the 293rd of his career against the Rangers. That's the most of any player against Texas, two hits ahead of former Kansas City Royal George Brett. Ichiro has 2,484 hits, six shy of tying Fred McGriff for 96th on baseball's all-time hit list.

--2B Dustin Ackley got Monday's start off, the second time in four games he's gotten the day off. Ackley was 0-for-15 against Texas lefty starter Matt Harrison.

--RHP Steve Delabar continues to have trouble keeping the ball in the ballpark. He has thrown 24 1/3 innings, and Monday's three-run homer by Nelson Cruz was the seventh Delabar has allowed.

BY THE NUMBERS: 45 -- Walks for the Mariners' hitters in the 11 games before Monday, when they didn't draw any walks.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "These guys are going to have to dig deep." -- Manager Eric Wedge on the Mariners, losers of five games in a row.

ROSTER REPORT

MEDICAL WATCH:

--OF Franklin Gutierrez (partially torn right pectoral muscle) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 24. He resumed throwing in late March, but he was slowed in late April due to plantar fasciitis. He resumed running May 2, then was shut down for a few days May 9. Gutierrez was on the field May 22 taking batting practice, and he ran May 23 for the first time in three weeks. Gutierrez went through a long workout May 27 and will go to Arizona to get in some simulated games before heading out on a rehab assignment. May 29, 2012 Page 76 of 87

--LHP George Sherrill (strained left elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 10. He underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery in early May.

ROTATION:

RHP Felix Hernandez

LHP Jason Vargas

RHP Blake Beavan

RHP Kevin Millwood

RHP Hector Noesi

BULLPEN:

RHP Brandon League (closer)

LHP Charlie Furbush

RHP Hisashi Iwakuma

RHP Tom Wilhelmsen

LHP Lucas Luetge

RHP Steve Delabar

RHP Shawn Kelley

CATCHERS:

Miguel Olivo

Jesus Montero

John Jaso

INFIELDERS:

1B Justin Smoak

2B Dustin Ackley

SS Brendan Ryan May 29, 2012 Page 77 of 87

3B Kyle Seager

INF Alex Liddi

INF Munenori Kawasaki

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Mike Carp

CF Michael Saunders

RF Ichiro Suzuki

OF/INF Chone Figgins

Tampa Bay Rays Team Notes

INSIDE PITCH

Rays will add Matsui to roster Tuesday

The Rays decided the time was right, and they plan to add veteran outfielder/designated hitter Hideki Matsui to their roster Tuesday.

Matsui, who turns 38 next month, signed a minor league deal with the Rays on April 30 and has been playing at Class AAA Durham, and without much success, hitting .170 with no homers and four RBI in 13 games.

However, two factors contributed to the decision to bring him to the majors.

One is that the Rays were clear from the start that they weren't going to evaluate Matsui on his minor league performance but on his readiness to face major league pitching, and that they would consult with him on the decision. He obviously felt ready.

The other is the sad state of their offense. With Evan Longoria, Desmond Jennings and Jeff Keppinger sidelined, the Rays have been using a lineup with four and sometimes five Class AAA quality players. Matsui would, if nothing else, give them a veteran presence to be used in pinch-hitting situations. He also played the outfield four times at Durham, so he could get time in left field.

A corresponding move will be made before Tuesday's game. The most likely candidate to go down appears to be outfielder/first baseman/catcher Stephen Vogt, who has played sparingly. Vogt is hitless in 17 at-bats over 10 games this season. May 29, 2012 Page 78 of 87

The Rays managed just three hits and struck out 15 times Monday in a 2-1 loss to the White Sox.

NOTES, QUOTES

--LHP Matt Moore had one of his best outings of the season, striking out 10 and holding the high-powered White Sox to just two runs, albeit on an Adam Dunn home run, but it wasn't enough for a win. Chicago LHP Chris Sale shut down the Tampa Bay hitters and struck out 15. Still, it was progress for Moore (1-5 with a 4.76 ERA). "He looked a lot more comfortable and definitely had a great game to build off emotionally," manager Joe Maddon said.

--RF/2B Ben Zobrist might have had the best compliment of the many being tossed around the Rays clubhouse about White Sox LHP Chris Sale, after Sale struck out 15 Rays. "I don't know what it was like facing Randy Johnson when he was young, but (Sale) has got great stuff, and I think he's got a real bright future," Zobrist said. "He's a phenomenal young pitcher and is going to be good for a long time."

--C Jose Lobaton was activated from the disabled list and inserted in the lineup at DH Monday, and he delivered a fourth-inning single that produced his first RBI in the majors. Lobaton had been out since April 13 due to right shoulder soreness, and he worked his way back with a rehab assignment that included stops at advanced Class A Charlotte, Class AA Montgomery and Class AAA Durham.

--C Chris Gimenez was optioned to Class AAA Durham when C Jose Lobaton was reinstated from the disabled list. Gimenez, signed to a minor league deal just before spring training, impressed the Rays with his work behind the plate, but not as much at it, as he hit only .191 through 24 games.

--OF Desmond Jennings continues to progress in his recovery from a left knee sprain, but under a timetable laid out Monday by manager Joe Maddon, it could be the end of next week before he rejoins the lineup. Jennings ran arcs on the edge of the infield dirt, but he still has to handle running the bases and sliding before going on a minor league rehab assignment that, with days off, will last about a week.

BY THE NUMBERS: 15 -- Rays struck out by White Sox LHP Chris Sale, a Tropicana Field record for any pitcher.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I really thought that was going to hit the scoreboard when he hit it. It was a helium ball. It was just staying up there." -- Rays manager Joe Maddon, on the two-run homer that White Sox 1B Adam Dunn hit to right field.

ROSTER REPORT

MEDICAL WATCH: May 29, 2012 Page 79 of 87

--C Jose Lobaton (right shoulder soreness) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 13. He began a rehab assignment May 12 with Class A Charlotte, and he was activated May 28.

--INF Jeff Keppinger (broken right big toe) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 19. He will be sidelined until at least mid-June.

--OF Brandon Guyer (torn labrum in left shoulder) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 13. He will undergo season-ending surgery during the week of May 28-June 3.

--LF Desmond Jennings (sprained left knee) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 12. He could begin a rehab assignment during the week of May 28-June 3 before possibly returning to the Rays late in the week of June 4-10.

--INF/OF Brandon Allen (strained right quadriceps) went on the 15-day disabled list May 10. He began a rehab assignment with Class A Charlotte on May 17.

--3B Evan Longoria (partial tear of left hamstring) went on the 15-day disabled list May 1. He will be out until mid- to late June.

--RHP Jeff Niemann (fractured right fibula) went on the 15-day disabled list May 15, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 16.

--RHP Kyle Farnsworth (right elbow strain) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 1, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 1. He began throwing a ball in a sock May 1. He threw off a mound May 23 for the first time since going on the DL.

--C Robinson Chirinos (concussion) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 26, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on April 19.

--OF Sam Fuld (right wrist surgery in April 2012) went on the 15-day disabled list April 4, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on April 15. He is expected to be out until August or September.

ROTATION:

RHP James Shields

LHP David Price

RHP Jeremy Hellickson

LHP Matt Moore

RHP Alex Cobb May 29, 2012 Page 80 of 87

BULLPEN:

RHP Fernando Rodney (closer)

RHP Joel Peralta

LHP J.P. Howell

LHP Jake McGee

RHP Burke Badenhop

RHP Wade Davis

LHP Cesar Ramos

CATCHERS:

Jose Molina

Jose Lobaton

INFIELDERS:

1B Carlos Pena

2B Will Rhymes

SS Sean Rodriguez

3B Elliot Johnson

INF Drew Sutton

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Matt Joyce

CF B.J. Upton

RF Ben Zobrist

DH Luke Scott

OF Rich Thompson

OF/C Stephen Vogt May 29, 2012 Page 81 of 87

Texas Rangers Team Notes

INSIDE PITCH

Hamilton sits due to upper-respiratory ailment

Josh Hamilton didn't play Monday, and the Texas Rangers might be without him again for Tuesday's game against Seattle.

Hamilton, who leads the majors with 20 home runs and 53 RBI, is the most recent Ranger to be dealing with an upper-respiratory infection that is plaguing the clubhouse. Hamilton, who said he felt light-headed as far back as Saturday when he hit a walk-off home run in the 13th inning, was scheduled to start Monday and then again Wednesday. But when manager Ron Washington saw him Monday, he changed the plan.

"Exhausted," Washington said. "He looked bad."

Hamilton missed three starts in early May with back stiffness and was given a day off two weeks ago as Washington tried to keep his entire squad fresh during a 20-game stretch in 20 days.

Playing time is a significant factor in Hamilton's season. He is a free agent after this year, and while there are no questions about his ability, questions remain about his durability. He has played more than 140 games once in his career.

Hamilton has started 44 of the Rangers' first 49 games and appeared in one other. Before earning a 4-2 win over Seattle on Monday, the Rangers had lost three of the first four games Hamilton didn't start this season.

NOTES, QUOTES

--RHP Joe Nathan, who picked up his 11th save of the season Monday, has not allowed a hit in his last six outings. The only baserunner he allowed came on an error in the ninth Monday, but that runner was erased shortly thereafter by a double play. Since the start of the second week of the season, Nathan is 9-for-9 in save chances and has a 0.54 ERA.

--LHP Matt Harrison, who allowed a pair of runs in eight innings Monday, appears to have righted himself after a rough five-start stretch. Harrison has won each of his last two outings -- both against Seattle -- allowing three runs in 15 innings while walking two and striking out 11.

--C Mike Napoli, who homered for the second consecutive game, appears to be coming out of a long slump that pushed his batting average as low as .230. Napoli, who homered in five consecutive games in mid-April, has five RBI and four runs over the past two games. He has also continued his strikeout streak. He's struck out at least once in each of his last 12 games and 16 of his last 17. May 29, 2012 Page 82 of 87

--RHP Scott Feldman will make his most "normal" start of the season Tuesday after three spot starts. He's gone 19 and nine days between his starts. This time he'll be pitching on just five days of rest. "It should help," said Feldman, who hasn't gone five innings yet in any of his spot starts.

--Angels manager Mike Scioscia announced he won't juggle his rotation after Thursday's off day, setting up Round 2 of Yu Darvish vs. C.J. Wilson on Saturday. The first time around, Wilson gave up four runs in the first inning and didn't return after a 1-hour, 56- minute rain delay. Darvish did return and pitched into the sixth for the win.

BY THE NUMBERS: .750 -- The Rangers' home winning percentage against Seattle since the dawn of Texas' AL West dominance in 2010. The Rangers are 18-6 vs. the Mariners at Rangers Ballpark in that span and have won 13 of the last 15 meetings there.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "He has tremendous stuff. He just has to throw it in the strike zone, and he did that." -- Manager Ron Washington, on LHP Matt Harrison, who won his second consecutive start Monday after a bad five-outing stretch.

ROSTER REPORT

MEDICAL WATCH:

--RHP Neftali Feliz (sprained ulnar collateral ligament in right elbow) went on the 15- day disabled list May 21. He will be prohibited from doing any throwing until at least late June before being re-evaluated by team physician Keith Meister. It's unlikely Feliz would return before July.

ROTATION:

RHP Colby Lewis

LHP Derek Holland

LHP Matt Harrison

RHP Yu Darvish

RHP Scott Feldman

BULLPEN:

RHP Joe Nathan (closer)

RHP Alexi Ogando

RHP Yoshinori Tateyama May 29, 2012 Page 83 of 87

RHP Mike Adams

LHP Robbie Ross

RHP Koji Uehara

RHP Mark Lowe

CATCHERS:

Mike Napoli

Yorvit Torrealba

INFIELDERS:

1B Mitch Moreland

2B Ian Kinsler

SS Elvis Andrus

3B Adrian Beltre

INF Brandon Snyder

INF Alberto Gonzalez

INF Michael Young

OUTFIELDERS:

LF David Murphy

CF Josh Hamilton

RF Nelson Cruz

OF Craig Gentry

May 29, 2012 Page 84 of 87

Toronto Blue Jays Team Notes

INSIDE PITCH

Hutchison has best start yet

Drew Hutchison gave the Blue Jays what they needed Monday -- a seven-inning start.

The bullpen had been worn down by overuse because of short starts and two extra-inning games on a 1-5 trip to Tampa Bay and Texas. That meant that the Jays had to go a couple of times to their Class AAA team at Las Vegas to get fresh arms.

So when Hutchison pitched a career-high seven innings and had nine strikeouts, also a career best, it was everything the Blue Jays could have hoped for from a 21-year-old who has yet to pitch in Class AAA after making the jump from Class AA New Hampshire.

"Just an outstanding job by Hutchison tonight," manager John Farrell said. "A lot of strikes, threw three pitches for strikes. Tonight he probably the best fastball in terms of power that he showed throughout the course of the season. Coming off the stretch that we've come through, every additional inning by a starter just allows us or affords us the potential to rest another guy on a given night when we've been taxed in the bullpen."

Hutchison was coming off a four-inning loss at Tampa Bay on May 22 in which he allowed seven hits, including two homers, and six runs.

"I was just able to go out there and compete," Hutchison said. "I was pretty upset with the way I performed the last time out and was looking forward to this start tonight."

Hutchison said he found the release point that has eluded him all season.

"I was able to find my release point tonight for the first time this year, I think, and got in a rhythm," he said. "That definitely had a lot to do with it."

And as far as the velocity goes, he said, "I just kind of let it go. I'm not going to say I didn't worry about throwing strikes, but I just let it go."

NOTES, QUOTES

--LHP Aaron Laffey was called up from Class AAA Las Vegas, and RHP Chad Beck was returned there as the Blue Jays continued to manage their overworked bullpen. "We needed length and he's on the 40-man (roster) right now," general manager Alex Anthopoulos said before Monday's game against the Orioles. "He was scheduled to pitch (Tuesday). He's a guy that could give us four or five innings assuming the performance is there if we need him. Hopefully you don't and your starter can go deep. But we needed the protection in case something was to happen." Laffey, 27, has made nine starts for Las Vegas this season and is 2-5 with a 4.88 ERA. In his last four starts he has a 2-1 record with a 2.70 ERA. Laffey was also with Toronto on April 9-14 but did not appear in a May 29, 2012 Page 85 of 87

game. He has a career record of 21-23 with one save and a 4.34 ERA in 126 games, 49 starts, over parts of five seasons. Beck, 27, who was called up Sunday and did not pitch, has made 19 appearances with Las Vegas this season and is 1-0 with seven saves with a 1.31 ERA.

--2B Kelly Johnson was back in the lineup after missing two games with a sore hamstring and went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a home run and three RBI. He has reached base safely in 20 consecutive games. Johnson was removed for pinch-hitter Omar Vizquel in the eighth inning of Friday's 14-3 loss to the Rangers. He had an injection on Friday night after the game and missed the games Saturday and Sunday. "You know one thing we're finding out about Kelly, he's got an extremely high pain threshold," manager John Farrell said. "He's dealing with some discomfort, he's not 100 percent. But he's able to play to the capability that he is right now. It's something that we monitor every day." "If it is going to hurt while I'm running bases then I hope it hurts all game long," Johnson said. "We're done trying to be 100 percent. Everybody's playing with something. At 88 or 85 percent, that's good enough."

--SS Yunel Escobar did not start Monday after leaving Sunday's game in the fifth inning with tightness in his left groin. "Right now, Yunel's situation is day to day," manager John Farrell said before Monday's game. "We don't think that's a long-term issue."

Escobar first suffered the injury while running from first to third on a single by CF Colby Rasmus in the third inning. It bothered him again in the fourth as Escobar was thrown out in a close play at first base on a groundball. INF Omar Vizquel, who played second base in the previous two games because 2B Kelly Johnson was out with a sore hamstring, started at shortstop on Monday and batted ninth. "With the combination of eight relievers and (the Escobar and Johnson) situations, it makes our middle infield thin," Farrell said. "At some point we'll have to make some move to adjust to protect ourselves if those two conditions persist."

--INF Omar Vizquel made his third consecutive start filling in for SS Yunel Escobar, who missed Monday's 6-2 game because of left groin tightness. Vizquel played Saturday and Sunday for 2B Kelly Johnson, who was out with a sore hamstring. Vizquel singled in the fourth inning on Monday for hit No. 2,848 to tie him with 3B Brooks Robinson for 43rd on the all-time hit list.

--RHP Drew Hutchison had two career highs. His seven innings pitched and nine strikeouts were both highs for him in the majors. He held the Orioles to three hits, three walks and no runs. "I think he made a conscious effort to try to throw the ball with a little bit more power tonight," manager John Farrell said. "I think he fell into a little bit of a situation his last time out where he tried to be a little bit too fine, trying to place the ball rather than stay aggressive through the strike zone, which he was tonight. I don't think I've ever seen 95 (mph) out of him, which he threw on a number of occasions tonight. When he's at that velocity he's almost a different type of pitcher, for sure."

BY THE NUMBERS: 26 -- Extra-base hits by DH Edwin Encarnacion out of 52 hits for the season. He hit his 16th homer of the season in Monday's 6-2 win over the Orioles and has 10 doubles. May 29, 2012 Page 86 of 87

QUOTE TO NOTE: "It almost is fitting -- he doubles in his first at-bat and we're pressed to send him home on the base hit to right field. So he tested it right away." -- Manager John Farrell on 2B Kelly Johnson, who doubled in the first inning after missing two games with a sore hamstring and then scored from second on a single in Monday's 6-2 win over the Orioles.

ROSTER REPORT

MEDICAL WATCH:

--SS Yunel Escobar (left groin) was injured May 27 and didn't play May 28. He's day-to- day.

--2B Kelly Johnson (left hamstring tightness) left the May 23 game. He had an MRI on his sore left hamstring May 25. No structural damage was detected, and he played in the May 25 game but did not play May 26-27. He was back in the lineup May 28.

--OF Ben Francisco (left hamstring strain) went on the 15-day disabled retroactive to May 21.

--RHP Dustin McGowan (plantar fasciitis in right foot) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 26, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 25. His throwing program was shut down in late April due to right shoulder inflammation, but he resumed throwing in Dunedin, Fla., in mid-May. There is no timetable for his return.

--RHP Jesse Litsch (right shoulder tendinitis, right shoulder infection) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 26, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on April 20. He learned May 22 that his infection was gone, but he still had a sore shoulder. There's no timetable for his return.

--RHP Sergio Santos (right shoulder inflammation) went on the 15-day disabled list April 21. He resumed throwing in mid-May, and he hoped to throw off a mound in late May.

--RHP Alan Farina (Tommy John surgery in August 2011) went on the 60-day disabled list Feb. 22.

ROTATION:

LHP Ricky Romero

RHP Brandon Morrow

RHP Henderson Alvarez

RHP Kyle Drabek

RHP Drew Hutchison May 29, 2012 Page 87 of 87

BULLPEN:

RHP Casey Janssen (closer)

RHP Francisco Cordero

LHP Darren Oliver

RHP Jason Frasor

RHP Carlos Villanueva

LHP Luis Perez

RHP Jesse Chavez

LHP Aaron Laffey

CATCHERS:

J.P. Arencibia

Jeff Mathis

INFIELDERS:

1B Edwin Encarnacion

2B Kelly Johnson

SS Yunel Escobar

3B Brett Lawrie

INF Omar Vizquel

INF David Cooper

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Eric Thames

CF Colby Rasmus

RF Jose Bautista

OF Rajai Davis