Ramirez plummets in National All-Star voting
LOS ANGELES— Manny Ramirez has fallen to sixth place in fan voting for National League All-Star outfielders, making it increasingly unlikely that the highest-profile player suspended under baseball’s drug policy will appear in the sport’s summer showcase.
The amount of votes standing between Ramirez and a starting spot in the All-Star game has nearly tripled over the last two weeks.
Fans submit petition in support of Bobby Valentine
TOKYO — Fans supporting Bobby Valentine submitted a petition with more than 100,000 signatures to the head office of the Chiba Lotte Marines on Monday in a bid to keep the American on as manager beyond the 2009 Japanese baseball season.
Valentine, in his seventh season as manager of the Pacific League team, has been told his contract will not be renewed at the end of the season. The 59-year-old led the team to the Japan Series championship in 2005 and has been a fan favorite ever since.
Sizemore nearing return
CLEVELAND — Grady Sizemore could be off the disabled list and back in the Cleveland Indians’ lineup in seven to 10 days.
An MRI exam Monday on the All-Star center fielder’s ailing left elbow revealed much of the inflammation that’s hampered him since spring training has subsided.
Former pitcher Woodeshick dies
HOUSTON — Hal Woodeshick, who pitched for the expansion Houston Colt .45s during an 11-year career in which he was an All-Star and part of a World Series championship team, has died. He was 76. Woodeshick died Sunday in Houston, the Astros said.
Known as a durable reliever, Woodeshick went 44-62 with 61 saves and a 3.56 ERA with Houston, Detroit, Cleveland, Washington and St. Louis. He posted the second victory in Houston history and later led the NL with 23 saves in 1964.
Isringhausen out for season
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tampa Bay Rays reliever Jason Isringhausen will miss the rest of the season after tearing a ligament in his surgically repaired right elbow.
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