Short Hops: Hamilton close to returning, Nats option Dukes…
Posted by Timm Davis on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 12:20 pm
..The San Diego Padres may loose All-Star First baseman Adrian Gonzalez after injuring his knee last night against the Houston Astros. It’s all about how he feels today according to Gonzalez. [AP]
“We’ll see how I wake up,” said Gonzalez, the Padres’ top hitter. “My body is kind of weird. Sometimes I feel something and I wake up the next morning and I feel great. Then sometimes I wake up and something aches that I didn’t feel the night before.
“Hopefully, going by my past, I will wake up and feel better.”
..After having surgery three weeks ago to repair a strained abdominal muscle, Texas Rangers All-Star outfielder Josh Hamilton is getting closer to returning to to the big club. He’ll have another stint for Triple A Oklahoma City. Despite being on the DL, he’s still third in outfield voting for the 2009 Mid-Summer Classic. [AP]
“That’s been my target the whole time, to get back some time during the homestand,” Hamilton said Tuesday after working out with the Rangers. “If I do that, it will be a goal accomplished.”
…It’s official former Brave, Athletic and Washington National’s outfielder Ryan Langerhans has been added to Seattle’s major league roster. He takes the place of Adrian Beltre who will be out 6-8 weeks recovering from shoulder surgery. Langerhans came over in a trade with the Washington Nationals for INF/OF Mike Morse. [AP]
..If you missed it yesterday, the Pittsburgh Pirates sent yet another outfielder to another team. This time Pittsburgh send Nyjer Morgan to the Nationals in exchange for Lastings Milledge. Also they sent outfielder Eric Hinske to the New York Yankees. It’ll be interesting to see if Milledge straightens up his act in Pittsburgh, as we all know Lastings comes with some baggage. [AP]
..Speaking of the Nationals, to make room on their roster for Nyjer Morgan and pitcher Sean Burnett they have optioned outfielder Elija Dukes to Triple A Syracuse. [CBS]
..According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Braves are willing to part with shortstop Yunel Escobar for a good hitter. Sounds pretty random to me, but on the other hand the Braves could use another big bat in the middle of the order. [ESPN]
..Boston Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell has been placed on the 15 day disabled list. According to manager Terry Francona, Lowell is feeling fine and should be ready to come of the DL after the 15 days is up – which would make his return either shortly before or right after the All-Star break. [Boston Globe]
..The Milwaukee Brewers seem to be interested in pitcher Brandon Backe who was just recently designated for assignment by the Houston Astros. [Brew Beat]
