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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Baseball notebook: Thomas will have his day

Associated Press
The White Sox are retiring the No. 35 of Frank Thomas, who is rejoining Chicago as a team ambassador. The team said Tuesday the two-time A.L. MVP will be honored at Frank Thomas Day at U.S. Cellular Field on Aug. 29. Thomas will make appearances for the team and join its speakers bureau, which includes Carlton Fisk, Minnie Minoso, Ron Kittle, Bill Melton and Bill Skowron. Thomas’ number will be the 10th retired by the White Sox, following 2 (Nellie Fox), 3 (Harold Baines), 4 (Luke Appling), 9 (Minoso), 11 (Luis Aparicio), 16 (Ted Lyons), 19 (Billy Pierce), 42 (Jackie Robinson) and 72 (Carlton Fisk). Strasburg misses start Rookie sensation Stephen Strasburg was scratched from his scheduled start for the Washington Nationals because he had problems warming up before the game against the Atlanta Braves. “Stephen was having trouble getting loose in the bullpen, and so I pulled the plug on it,” Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said, adding that he considered it a “precautionary move.” Bay out of lineup New York Mets left fielder Jason Bay has been diagnosed with a mild concussion and is out of the lineup for at least a few days. Bay hurt himself when he crashed into the wall Friday night while making a catch at Dodger Stadium. Also, Mets manager Jerry Manuel was given a one-game suspension for a recent run-in with an umpire and sat out last night’s game against St. Louis. Meche’s season over Kansas City Royals right-hander Gil Meche will have surgery on his pitching shoulder that will probably end his season. Meche, 31, has been on the disabled list since May 29 with what the club described as bursitis in the shoulder. Clearing the bases Yankees lefty Andy Pettitte is making more progress in his rehab program for a strained left groin. The 38-year old hopes to rejoin the rotation in late August. … The Rockies activated shortstop Troy Tulowitzki after he missed nearly six week with a broken left wrist. … Rockies closer Huston Street was hit in the right pelvic area by a line drive in batting practice and taken off the field in an ambulance. … Athletics catcher Kurt Suzuki is guaranteed $16.25 million under his new four-year contract. … Braves backup catcher David Ross agreed to a two-year extension that will pay him $3.25 million. … The Braves optioned outfielder Nate McLouth to Triple-A Gwinnett.