CARDINALS: Left-hander Mark Mulder, trying to come back from two shoulder operations, pitched six scoreless innings for Class AA Springfield on Sunday in his second rehabilitation outing.
Mulder made his first start for Class A Palm Beach and could make his third start on Friday for Class AAA Memphis, but could need two more outings to show the team he’s ready.
Mulder allowed three hits, walked three and struck out one, and needed only 76 pitches while facing Tulsa. He also picked off two runners at first.
Mulder has been limited to 20 starts in the majors over the last two seasons. He could rejoin the St. Louis rotation after one more rehab start, although the team could elect to have him make a fourth rehab start.
He made only three starts last year before undergoing a second surgery in September, going 0-3 with a 12.27 ERA, and was 6-7 with a 7.14 ERA in 2006.
Before 2006, Mulder won 15 or more games five consecutive seasons for Oakland and St. Louis.
BRAVES: Third baseman Chipper Jones irritated his strained right quadriceps while running out a double and left Atlanta Braves’ game against Los Angeles on Sunday.
Jones tweaked his right quad on April 9 at Colorado and felt more soreness as the Braves’ road trip continued in Washington.
Still, Jones continued to play and extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a third-inning single before adding a fifth-inning double off the right-field wall. Jones slid late into second base and was slow to return to his feet.
Jones remained in the game through the inning but was replaced by Martin Prado to start the sixth.
ASTROS: Houston placed left-handed pitcher Wandy Rodriguez on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left groin. Houston purchased the contract of left-hander Tim Byrdak from Class AAA Round Rock. Right-hander Jack Cassel will be recalled to start Thursday at Cincinnati.
CUBS: Chicago scratched Kosuke Fukudome from their lineup Sunday against the Pittsburgh Pirates because of a small cyst above his right eye. Manager Lou Piniella said the condition is not serious, calling it “only a one-day thing.” With Fukudome out, Mark DeRosa started in right field while Matt Murton played left and batted fifth. Signed to a $48 million, four-year contract in December, Fukudome is batting .317 with one homer and nine RBI.
REDS: Right-hander David Weathers went on the 15-day disabled list with a sore arm. Weathers got a burning sensation near his right elbow when he threw a pitch Saturday. Tests found no serious injury. Doctors said he has an irritated nerve in the elbow.
The move opens the way for the Reds to activate right-hander Matt Belisle from the disabled list to start tonight against the Dodgers. Belisle replaces right-hander Josh Fogg, who was moved into the bullpen after he struggled in three starts.
BREWERS: Milwaukee activated right-hander Yovani Gallardo off the 15-day disabled list to start against Cincinnati. Utility player Joe Dillon was optioned to Class AAA Nashville. Dillon was primarily a pinch-hitter, going 2-for-10 in nine games. Gallardo started the season on the disabled list while recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. The 22-year-old pitcher went 9-5 with a 3.67 ERA last season as a rookie.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
