Top News:
Mike Rose / On the Mets beat:
Willie apologizes (updated with his opening remarks) — In a surprising development, Willie Randolph delivered a public apology during his pregame session with reporters a few minutes ago. Randolph read from a sheet of paper with handwritten notes and said he was sorry …
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Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Willis headed to Tigers' bullpen — Left-hander activated from DL, available Wednesday — DETROIT — Dontrelle Willis is rejoining the Tigers, but he's doing so in the bullpen. — The Tigers activated the left-hander from the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, but manager Jim Leyland announced …
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Sports Illustrated:
Tigers will put Willis in 'pen on return — Dontrelle Willis has been told by Tigers people that they plan to put him in the bullpen when he returns from the disabled list. — Willis is said to be “probably not too happy about it,” according to a friend.
Anthony DiComo / MLB.com:
Wang: Mild calf strain won't keep him out — Yankees right-hander expects to make next start Saturday — NEW YORK — The afterglow of Alex Rodriguez's return on Tuesday lasted only three innings, just time enough for the Yankees to see another superstar, Derek Jeter, go down with an injury.
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Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Steinbrenner: Yanks down but not out — Co-chairman unhappy with play but optimistic for turnaround — NEW YORK — Hank Steinbrenner said Wednesday that he is “very down” about his team's 20-25 start, but the Yankees' co-chairman remains confident that he is still presiding over a playoff-caliber club.
Discussion:
Bombers Beat
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Mark Feinsand / NY Daily News:
Yankees are hardly A-OK
Yankees are hardly A-OK
Discussion:
Newsday, New York Post, The LoHud Yankees Blog, New Jersey Online, The Joy of Sox and Boston Globe
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Pedro leaves Mets to be with ill father — Pitcher was to throw bullpen session on Wednesday — ATLANTA — Pedro Martinez's return to pitching in the big leagues has been delayed by a medical episode involving his father. — The Mets pitcher, close to ending his assignment on the disabled list …
Discussion:
Mets Blog
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David Lennon / On the Mets beat:
Pedro returns to DR — The Mets have scratched today's bullpen session …
Pedro returns to DR — The Mets have scratched today's bullpen session …
Discussion:
FanHouse
Adam Rubin / NY Daily News:
Pedro's test Wednesday
Pedro's test Wednesday
Discussion:
New York Post, NJ.com, The Transaction Guy, New Jersey Online, MLB Rumors, Associated Press and Shea Nation
Howard Ulman / Associated Press:
Colon wins in return, Red Sox top Royals — BOSTON (AP)—Bartolo Colon made a solid return to the majors after recovering from an elbow injury, posting his first win since last June as the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3 Wednesday night. — The 2005 Cy Young award winner allowed …
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Janie McCauley / Associated Press:
Eveland, Cust lead A's past Rays 9-1 — OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)—From about the time he started driving, Dana Eveland began hearing the comparisons to David Wells. — “If you're a chubby lefty it always gets you the comparison,” said Eveland, whose back is covered in an “EVELAND” tattoo.
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David Pinto / Baseball Musings:
Games of the Day — The Tampa Bay Rays go for a sweep …
Games of the Day — The Tampa Bay Rays go for a sweep …
Discussion:
Athletics Nation
Alan Robinson / Associated Press:
Sheets beats Pirates with 11-hitter — PITTSBURGH (AP)—Ben Sheets limited Pittsburgh to one run despite allowing 11 hits in his second complete game of the season, and Rickie Weeks homered and scored twice to lead the Milwaukee Brewers to a 4-1 victory over the Pirates on Wednesday night.
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout
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Anthony Witrado / Brewers Blog:
Gagne flying back to Milwaukee — Pittsburgh - Until further notice, Milwaukee Brewers closer Eric Gagne has been shut down. — Although that further notice could be as soon as today or as late as this weekend or maybe next week depending on how Gagne's stiff right shoulder feels today …
Discussion:
Roto Professor
Joseph White / Associated Press:
Phillies hit 4 home runs in win over Nationals — WASHINGTON - Pedro Feliz's home run landed in the left field bullpen. Shane Victorino put one just inside the left foul pole. Ryan Howard didn't play around at all, launching shots into both decks in right-center.
Kristie Rieken / Associated Press:
Astros' Chacon gets decision, beats Cubs — HOUSTON (AP)—Decisions, decisions—or rather, finally just one. — Shawn Chacon pitched seven solid innings for his first win this season, breaking his major league record streak of nine straight no-decisions to start a season in Houston's 5-3 win over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night.
M.A. Mehta / New Jersey Online:
Joba Chamberlain begins conversion process in 8-0 win over Orioles — On night when Darrell Rasner was brilliant and the Yankees awoke from an offensive slumber, Joe Girardi delivered the most jolting news moments after the post-game handshakes: Joba Chamberlain's much anticipated conversion to a starter has officially begun.
Ross / Yankee Stadium Insider Blog:
“Terry Crowley is lucky he's in f*cking baseball” makes it on the air on YES — UPDATE (9:34 PM): Minor correction. This is still bad for YES, but it was not a producer, or anyone on the YES crew, apparently. It was Earl Weaver in the famous manager's corner clip as an anonymous commenter pointed out.
Discussion:
matsuifan.com