Sheffield off to slow start
The Detroit Tigers hope a day off will help Gary Sheffield turn around his poor start.
The nine-time All-Star hit just .119 through the first 17 games this season, his first in Detroit, and is hitless in his last 12 at-bats.
“He’ll start fresh on the West Coast, he’ll be back in tomorrow,” Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Sunday before the series finale against the Chicago White Sox. “It’s a new team and he wants to do it so bad because the fans have been great. He’s probably pressing, but his timing is just not right.”
Detroit acquired Sheffield from the New York Yankees shortly after last season for three pitching prospects. His previous contract called for him to make $13 million this year and his new deal will pay him $28 million over the next two seasons.
In Sheffield’s first 59 at-bats of the season, he had 15 strikeouts with only one homer, one double and five RBIs. He is among A.L. leaders with 13 walks.
Lester nearly back
Jon Lester moved one step closer to the major leagues since being declared cancer-free when he threw a side session at Fenway Park before the Red Sox played the Yankees.
The 23-year-old Lester made his major league debut last June 10 and went 7-2 with a 4.76 ERA. In August, he was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma, a cancer that affects the lymph system.
He underwent six chemotherapy treatments, the last in December, and doctors said there were no signs of cancer.
Fan pleads not guilty
A New York Mets fan pleaded not guilty to shining a high-powered flashlight at an Atlanta Braves pitcher and shortstop during a game at Shea Stadium.
Frank Martinez was arraigned in Queens criminal court on charges of interfering with a professional sporting event and second-degree reckless endangerment. He was held on $1,000 bail and is due back in court May 1.
Santo falls ill
Cubs broadcaster and former All-Star Ron Santo remained hospitalized while undergoing tests for an irregular heartbeat.
The 67-year-old Santo was admitted to the hospital Saturday night and his return to the radio booth is undetermined.