RANGERS: AL batting leader Milton Bradley was out of Texas’ lineup for Wednesday night’s game against Atlanta because of a strained left quadriceps.
Rangers manager Ron Washington said the injury wasn’t serious and that he expects Bradley to be available for today’s series finale against the Braves.
Bradley left Tuesday night’s 7-5 victory over the Braves after hurting himself on a two-run single in the third inning. He hit the ball into the gap in right-center field, and reached down for his leg even before reaching first base.
Bradley wanted to remain in the game and tried to test his leg by running down the right-field line. Washington decided to pull him.
Washington checked with Bradley on Wednesday.
“He came in feeling OK, but he felt another day would help so we’ll give him another day,” Washington said. “It’s a little strain. He came in and got it worked on. He’ll be ready for the day game tomorrow.”
Bradley is hitting .330 with 15 home runs and 48 RBI. He is leading the league in slugging percentage and on-base average.
INDIANS: Cleveland designated hitter Travis Hafner is getting a second opinion on his sore right shoulder. He traveled to Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday to be evaluated by renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews.
“He was examined by Dr. Andrews in Birmingham today, but I haven’t spoken with Dr. Andrews yet,” Indians head trainer Lonnie Soloff said before the Cleveland played the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday night. “He’s a pretty busy guy and he’s not called me back yet. I’m hopeful I’ll have that tomorrow.”
Soloff says Hafner is not progressing as quickly as hoped from the injury that landed him on the disabled list May 30.
Hafner is hitting .217 with four home runs this season and has been bothered by the shoulder since spring training.
The 31-year-old Hafner is Cleveland’s career leader at DH with 134 home runs and 464 RBI.
YANKEES: Adding depth to their injury-riddled pitching staff, New York signed troubled right-hander Sidney Ponson to a minor league contract Wednesday. With a history of off-the-field problems, Ponson was released June 6 by the pitching-starved Texas Rangers for being a disruption to the team. He performed well on the mound, however, going 4-1 with a 3.88 ERA. Ponson, who pitched briefly for the Yankees in 2006, will report to Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and could be called up to the majors to start one game of New York’s two-ballpark doubleheader against the Mets next Friday.
A Hard Rock Cafe will open in the new Yankee Stadium. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant will operate year-round in right field when the park makes its debut next season, the two organizations announced Wednesday.
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