Baseball notes
The Colorado Rockies have put outfielder Michael Cuddyer and right-hander Eddie Butler on the 15-day disabled list and selected the contract of right-hander Christian Bergman.
Bergman lost in his major league debut against Atlanta Monday night, allowing two runs on five hits in six innings of work in a 3-1 loss.
Cuddyer is out because of a strained left shoulder and Butler has inflammation in his right rotator cuff.
This is Cuddyer’s second stint on the DL after missing 28 games with a strained left hamstring.
He is hitting .317 with five home runs this season.
The 23-year-old Butler allowed six runs and 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings in his major league debut during Friday’s 7-2 loss to the Dodgers.
The Rockies also recalled righty Chad Bettis and designated reliever Wilton Lopez for assignment.
Connaughton cleared for hoops
Pat Connaughton has reached an agreement with the Baltimore Orioles that will allow him to return to Notre Dame in late July to prepare for his final season of college basketball.
The Orioles drafted the 6-foot-5 pitcher last week in the fourth round.
The right-hander plans to travel to Baltimore today, then head to Sarasota, Florida, later in the week to begin his minor league career.
Notre Dame head men’s basketball coach Mike Brey said the experience should make Connaughton a better captain and leader this season.
Maddon desperate to break Rays’ skid
The slumping Tampa Bay Rays have turned to a Seminole medicine man to change their fortunes.
Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon invited tribal elder Bobby Henry to Tropicana Field on Monday in an attempt to help his team, which has the worst record in the majors.
Maddon has tried a variety of things over the years to liven up his team. He’s brought a python, penguins and a magician into the clubhouse.
The Rays also announced Grant Balfour is out as the team’s closer. Maddon said the team will use a closer by committee instead of the struggling Balfour, who gave up five runs in the ninth inning of Sunday’s 5-0 loss to the Mariners.
Clearing the bases
The Minnesota Twins have signed shortstop Nick Gordon, the fifth overall pick in the first-year player draft. … The Arizona Diamondbacks have designated right-hander Trevor Cahill for assignment and also placed third baseman Eric Chavez on the 15-day disabled list with a sore right knee.