Pirates bench Iwamura, plan to play Walker
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates gave up on waiting for second baseman Aki Iwamura to break out of a season-long slump, benching their highest-paid player and replacing him with former first round draft pick Neil Walker.
Walker, the son of former major league pitcher Tom Walker, celebrated his promotion to everyday player by getting two hits as the Pirates beat the Cubs 2-1 on Monday. Walker is hitting .321 in seven games with the Pittsburgh, the identical average he had in 43 games with Triple-A Indianapolis.
Walker is the first of a number of Pirates prospects who are expected to reach the majors this season, including third baseman Pedro Alvarez, outfielder Jose Tabata and right-hander Brad Lincoln.
“That vote of confidence helped a lot, and not just today,” Walker said. “Mentally, it helps.”
Iwamura, acquired from Tampa Bay for reliever Jesse Chavez during the offseason, didn’t take the demotion well despite his .172 batting average — the third lowest in the majors for any batter averaging at least 3.1 plate appearances per game.
Cubs bring up Cashner
PITTSBURGH — Andrew Cashner, the Chicago Cubs’ top pitching prospect, needed to make only one pitch to enjoy a successful major league debut.
Cashner, who learned late Sunday night he was being promoted from Class AAA Iowa, arrived in Pittsburgh in time to retire Ronny Cedeno on a popup in the eighth inning of the Pirates’ 2-1 victory on Monday.
Cashner moved into the Cubs’ bullpen in place of left-hander John Grabow, who went on the disabled list with left knee inflammation.
Protesters gather at D-backs game
LOS ANGELES — About 150 protesters attended a rally against Arizona’s tough new crackdown on illegal immigration in front of Dodger Stadium on Monday during a game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Dodgers.
The picketers gathered outside stadium entrances and held signs protesting the new Arizona law, which would require police to ask about people’s immigration status if they have “reasonable suspicion” that they’re in the country illegally.
Protesters also said they wanted the Dodgers to move their spring training facility out of Arizona and for Major League Baseball to move the 2011 All-Star game out of the state.
“It’s important for the Dodgers to take a stand,” said Mike Chavez, spokesman for Service Employees International Union, which helped organize the protest. “They have a history of standing up against discrimination and we’re asking them to do something to show some leadership.”
Torrealba placed on restricted list
SAN DIEGO — Padres catcher Yorvit Torrealba has been placed on the restricted list for personal reasons and is expected to be away from the team for at least three days.
Team officials say Torrealba is tending to a family matter.
To take his roster spot, the Padres recalled catcher Dusty Ryan from Triple-A Portland.
Torrealba and Nick Hundley have split time at catcher this year, with each starting 25 games. Torrealba is hitting with one home run and 14 RBI.
The 25-year-old Ryan was hitting .118 with three homers and nine RBIs at Portland. Over parts of two major league seasons with the Detroit Tigers (2008-09), Ryan hit .257 with two homers and 11 RBIs.
McGwire’s wife to deliver triplets
ST. LOUIS — St. Louis Cardinals batting coach Mark McGwire’s wife is due to deliver triplets and he’ll be away from the team for a few days.
Manager Tony La Russa said after Monday’s 12-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds that it was McGwire’s last day with the team for a “day or two.” La Russa said McGwire got a round of applause in the clubhouse after the game.
McGwire’s wife, Stephanie, is from Glen Carbon, Ill., near St. Louis, and the family is living there during the season.
During McGwire’s absence the team’s second hitting coach, Mike Aldrete, will likely take on added responsibility.
Holland likely headed to DL
ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas Rangers left-hander Derek Holland is likely headed to the disabled list because of mild inflammation in his left rotator cuff.
The pitcher left in the second inning of his start Sunday night in Minnesota. Holland returned to Texas and was examined Monday by team physician Dr. Keith Meister.
The Rangers made no official move Monday, an off day. They open a three-game series Tuesday in Chicago against the White Sox.
Meanwhile, Holland will remain in Texas and won’t throw again for at least three to five days.
Right-hander Pedro Strop could join the Rangers in Chicago. Tommy Hunter, at Triple-A Oklahoma City since being slowed in spring training by a left oblique strain, could start when Holland’s next turn comes up.
Associated Press
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