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

Tigers welcome time off after Frances-induced postponements

Associated Press

After scrambling to leave Florida before the arrival of Hurricane Frances, the Detroit Tigers believe their unexpected weekend off provided a much-needed breather.

“The rest feels good, to be honest with you,” manager Alan Trammell said.

The Tigers practiced at Comerica Park on Sunday, two days after their weekend schedule was scrapped. The final two games in a three-game series against Tampa Bay were postponed until late September after Detroit won the opener 4-2 Friday night.

“This is two days off and it really should help,” third baseman Brandon Inge said. “We got to relax and regain our composure after what’s been kind of a rough stretch. It’s a good time to regroup, and even though we’re not in the running for the playoffs, it’s more a pride thing, that we want to finish as high as we can.”

Around the league

Yankees pitcher Kevin Brown had successful surgery on his broken left hand and vowed to pitch again this season. … Red Sox center fielder Johnny Damon was a late scratch for the team’s game against the Rangers with an injured right pinky. … The Red Sox called up pitcher Pedro Astacio from Triple-A Pawtucket. … Cardinals right fielder Larry Walker sprained his right knee when he slipped fielding a groundball and was removed in the fifth inning of St. Louis’ win over Los Angeles. Trainer Barry Weinberg said Walker was day to day.