Published: Friday, March 26, 2010
BASEBALL NOTEBOOK: Indians’ Branyan still battling back ailment
GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Russell Branyan’s dream has turned into a Cleveland Indians nightmare.
Signed to a $2 million free-agent deal in February and immediately made the starting first baseman by new manager Manny Acta, the 34-year-old Branyan has yet to play this spring with less than two weeks until the season opens.
“It’s frustrating,” said Branyan, a former Seattle Mariner sidelined by a herniated disc in his back.
Acta’s lineup plans are on hold as he awaits word on Branyan’s progress. Until then, two of the Indians’ prized prospects, Matt LaPorta and Michael Brantley, also are in limbo. Both were acquired in the blockbuster trade that sent 2007 AL Cy Young Award winner CC Sabathia to Milwaukee in July 2008.
If Branyan is healthy enough to play first base, LaPorta will go to left field and Brantley most likely back to Class AAA Columbus. Right now, LaPorta, coming off left hip and big toe surgery in October, is playing first base.
Silva a Cubs’ starter
MESA, Ariz. — Carlos Silva and Tom Gorzelanny beat out Jeff Samardzija and Sean Marshall for the Chicago Cubs’ final two rotation spots in a spirited spring competition. When Ted Lilly, who had offseason shoulder surgery, comes off the disabled list in mid-April, Piniella will have to choose between Silva and Gorzelanny for the No. 5 starter.
Braves’ rookie will start
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Atlanta rookie sensation Jason Heyward will open the season as Atlanta’s regular right fielder. The 20-year-old Heyward went into Friday’s game against Detroit batting .366 with a homer and five RBI in 41 at-bats this spring. He had a .500 on-base percentage and .537 slugging average. Heyward was named minor league player of the year last season by Baseball America after hitting .323 with 17 homers over three minor league stops. He started in Class A and ended in Class AAA.
Braves suspend player
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Atlanta has suspended minor league pitcher Deunte Heath after he was charged with two prostitution-related misdemeanors following a sting conducted not far from the team’s spring training facility. Kissimmee police said the 24-year-old Heath was arrested Thursday night when he allegedly responded to Internet prostitution ads and agreed to pay $75 for a sex act.
Elbow surgery for Twin
SARASOTA, Fla. — Minnesota Twins closer Joe Nathan had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow on Friday. Doctors removed a tendon from his left wrist and placed it in Nathan’s right elbow to replace the ulnar collateral ligament that was torn in an exhibition game on March 6, the team said. The All-Star will miss the entire 2010 season.
Rangers’ Kinsler ailing
SURPRISE, Ariz. — Texas second baseman Ian Kinsler had targeted a Monday return from a high right ankle sprain, but now it appears questionable whether he will be ready when the Rangers open the regular season April 5. Kinsler, who rolled his ankle in a March 12 workout. Kinsler hit 31 home runs and stole 31 bases last season and was a 2008 All-Star selection when he hit .319. He was hitting .400 in five exhibition games before the injury.
Oswalt strains hamstring
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Astros ace Roy Oswalt was headed back to Houston to be examined by a team doctor after the right-hander left Friday’s start against the Pittsburgh Pirates with a slight left hamstring strain.
A-Rod’s meeting with feds postponed
NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez’s meeting Friday with federal investigators probing a Canadian doctor was delayed, and the third baseman remained at spring training with the New York Yankees rather than traveling to Buffalo. The meeting was postponed by mutual consent, a person familiar with the delay said on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized. The meeting has not yet been rescheduled, the person said.
Signed to a $2 million free-agent deal in February and immediately made the starting first baseman by new manager Manny Acta, the 34-year-old Branyan has yet to play this spring with less than two weeks until the season opens.
“It’s frustrating,” said Branyan, a former Seattle Mariner sidelined by a herniated disc in his back.
Acta’s lineup plans are on hold as he awaits word on Branyan’s progress. Until then, two of the Indians’ prized prospects, Matt LaPorta and Michael Brantley, also are in limbo. Both were acquired in the blockbuster trade that sent 2007 AL Cy Young Award winner CC Sabathia to Milwaukee in July 2008.
If Branyan is healthy enough to play first base, LaPorta will go to left field and Brantley most likely back to Class AAA Columbus. Right now, LaPorta, coming off left hip and big toe surgery in October, is playing first base.
Silva a Cubs’ starter
MESA, Ariz. — Carlos Silva and Tom Gorzelanny beat out Jeff Samardzija and Sean Marshall for the Chicago Cubs’ final two rotation spots in a spirited spring competition. When Ted Lilly, who had offseason shoulder surgery, comes off the disabled list in mid-April, Piniella will have to choose between Silva and Gorzelanny for the No. 5 starter.
Braves’ rookie will start
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Atlanta rookie sensation Jason Heyward will open the season as Atlanta’s regular right fielder. The 20-year-old Heyward went into Friday’s game against Detroit batting .366 with a homer and five RBI in 41 at-bats this spring. He had a .500 on-base percentage and .537 slugging average. Heyward was named minor league player of the year last season by Baseball America after hitting .323 with 17 homers over three minor league stops. He started in Class A and ended in Class AAA.
Braves suspend player
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Atlanta has suspended minor league pitcher Deunte Heath after he was charged with two prostitution-related misdemeanors following a sting conducted not far from the team’s spring training facility. Kissimmee police said the 24-year-old Heath was arrested Thursday night when he allegedly responded to Internet prostitution ads and agreed to pay $75 for a sex act.
Elbow surgery for Twin
SARASOTA, Fla. — Minnesota Twins closer Joe Nathan had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow on Friday. Doctors removed a tendon from his left wrist and placed it in Nathan’s right elbow to replace the ulnar collateral ligament that was torn in an exhibition game on March 6, the team said. The All-Star will miss the entire 2010 season.
Rangers’ Kinsler ailing
SURPRISE, Ariz. — Texas second baseman Ian Kinsler had targeted a Monday return from a high right ankle sprain, but now it appears questionable whether he will be ready when the Rangers open the regular season April 5. Kinsler, who rolled his ankle in a March 12 workout. Kinsler hit 31 home runs and stole 31 bases last season and was a 2008 All-Star selection when he hit .319. He was hitting .400 in five exhibition games before the injury.
Oswalt strains hamstring
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Astros ace Roy Oswalt was headed back to Houston to be examined by a team doctor after the right-hander left Friday’s start against the Pittsburgh Pirates with a slight left hamstring strain.
A-Rod’s meeting with feds postponed
NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez’s meeting Friday with federal investigators probing a Canadian doctor was delayed, and the third baseman remained at spring training with the New York Yankees rather than traveling to Buffalo. The meeting was postponed by mutual consent, a person familiar with the delay said on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized. The meeting has not yet been rescheduled, the person said.
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