Putz must rest ailing arm
The Seattle Mariners say closer J.J. Putz has a hyperextended pitching elbow, a swollen triceps tendon and nerve irritation in his right arm that will keep him from throwing at least through this weekend.
Putz has already missed 18 games this season with a ribcage injury and has also had knee and finger pain. He was removed from Wednesday’s win at Toronto in the ninth inning after shaking his pained arm following a pitch.
Putz will not throw over the weekend. He will be re-evaluated on Monday.
Pujols placed on DL
The St. Louis Cardinals placed first baseman Albert Pujols on the 15-day disabled list Thursday, and activated pitcher Joel Pineiro in time to start against Cincinnati.
Pujols is expected to miss at least three weeks after straining his left calf while running out a ground ball in the seventh inning of the Cardinals’ 7-2 win Tuesday at Cincinnati.
The right-handed Pineiro missed 19 games with a strained right groin.
Clearing the bases
The Milwaukee Brewers have cut ties with veteran right-hander Jeff Weaver, releasing him from their Triple-A Nashville affiliate. Weaver was 7-13 with a 6.20 ERA in Seattle last season. … All-Star catcher Victor Martinez will have surgery on his ailing right elbow and be sidelined at least six weeks, adding another marquee name to the Cleveland Indians’ list of injured players. Martinez and second baseman Josh Barfield were both placed on the 15-day disabled list. Barfield has a strained left middle finger. … Texas Rangers outfielder Milton Bradley said he wanted to “introduce” himself to Kansas City Royals television announcer Ryan Lefebvre after some negative comments made on the air. Bradley stormed up four flights of Kauffman Stadium stairs looking for Lefebvre after the Rangers’ 11-5 victory Wednesday night. Rangers general manager Jon Daniels, who interceded to prevent Bradley from reaching Lefebvre, said no disciplinary action will be taken against Bradley. … Minnesota Twins reliever Juan Rincon was offered an outright assignment to Triple-A Rochester, giving him three days to accept or decline. The Twins announced they’ll recall third baseman Brian Buscher from Rochester.