Mets get RF Hidalgo from Astros
Hoping to help their sagging offense, the New York Mets acquired right fielder Richard Hidalgo from the Houston Astros for right-handers David Weathers and Jeremy Griffiths.
“We’re pleased to have him,” Mets manager Art Howe said. “I know what he can do. He’s a run-producer, an outstanding right fielder. He hasn’t played on a regular basis. He’ll get that opportunity here. It’s a fresh start for him. I know he’s a good middle-of-the-order hitter.”
Weathers adds an experienced middle reliever to Houston’s bullpen, which is in desperate need of help there. The Mets also get $4 million from the Astros as part of the deal to offset the difference in salaries.
New York will probably put Hidalgo, batting .256 with four homers and 30 RBIs, in the middle of the lineup, hoping he can provide some needed protection for Mike Piazza and Cliff Floyd. Hidalgo is expected to join the Mets in time for tonight’s game against Detroit.
Weathers is expected to join the Astros on Saturday.
Griffiths will report to Houston’s Triple-A affiliate in New Orleans.
To make room for Weathers on the roster, Houston designated right-hander Ricky Stone for assignment. The Astros have 10 days to trade, release or send him outright to the minors.
Cardinals set to activate catcher
Mike Matheny passed a final test and the St. Louis Cardinals’ Gold Glove-winning catcher is likely to be activated from the disabled list today.
Matheny has been out since June 3 because of a strained muscle under his right rib cage, and the Cardinals initially expected him to be sidelined for a lot longer. But Matheny, batting .252 with two home runs and 17 RBIs, surprised himself with a rapid recovery.
A’s closer to miss two days for personal reasons
Oakland Athletics closer Arthur Rhodes took a two-day leave of absence from the team because of personal reasons.
Rhodes was ejected from Wednesday’s 6-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals after giving up a three-run homer to Reggie Sanders in the eighth inning.
Rhodes thought the previous pitch — a 2-2 delivery — should’ve been called strike.
Rhodes is 3-3 with nine saves in 14 chances. Jim Mecir, who has two saves, would likely fill in as the closer during Rhodes’ absence.
Beckett leaves in fourth inning with back injury
Josh Beckett left Thursday night’s start against the Chicago White Sox in the fourth inning with a muscle strain on the right side of his back.
The Florida Marlins pitcher and 2003 World Series MVP had just returned from a 15-day stint on the disabled list because of a blister on his right middle finger.
Beckett had an 0-2 count on Jose Valentin with two outs in the fourth when he stepped off the rubber. Pitching coach Wayne Rosenthal and assistant trainer Mike Kozak immediately came out of the dugout to tend to Beckett.
After a brief conversation with his pitcher, Rosenthal motioned to manager Jack McKeon, who replaced Beckett with Ben Howard. He struck out Valentin to end the inning.
Beckett showed no ill effects from the blister, striking out eight of the first nine hitters he retired. He allowed two hits and walked none.
The hard-throwing right-hander is day to day.
Pirates sign top draft pick
Catcher Neil Walker, the 11th overall draft pick last week, was given a $2 million bonus after signing his first professional contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
•First-round draft pick Greg Golson, an outfielder, agreed to a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.