Yankees, Padres trade pitchers
The San Diego Padres swapped struggling pitchers with the New York Yankees on Saturday, acquiring Paul Quantrill for Darrell May, Tim Redding and cash.
Quantrill and fellow reliever Mike Stanton became the first victims of the Yankees’ roster shake-up when they were designated for assignment Thursday.
Quantrill, a 36-year-old right-hander, was 1-0 with a 6.75 ERA in 22 appearances this year.
“We’re getting an experienced reliever who’s pitched in the postseason and will add depth to our bullpen,” Padres general manager Kevin Towers said.
May and Redding were unable to solidify the No. 5 spot in the Padres’ rotation.
Although May recently beat Johan Santana and the Minnesota Twins, he is 1-3 with a 5.61 ERA. Redding, who is 0-5 with a 9.10 ERA, spent more than a month on the disabled list with a strained right shoulder.
The Padres filled the open roster spots by activating utility player Eric Young from the DL and recalling right-hander Brian Falkenborg from Triple-A Portland. Young dislocated his right shoulder making a catch against the center-field fence on April 7 against Pittsburgh.
•Carl Pavano will not start for the Yankees today at Detroit. The right-hander is nursing a sore shoulder.
“I think skipping a start is the best way to go right now,” Pavano said. “It’s been progressive, after my last start the soreness was a little different.”
Chien-Ming Wang will start today in Pavano’s place, Tanyon Sturtze will follow Monday at home against Baltimore, and Randy Johnson will pitch on short rest.
Pavano has struggled in his first season in pinstripes. He is just 4-6 with a 4.77 ERA this season and hasn’t won since May 22.
Red Sox place Mantei on DL
The Boston Red Sox placed reliever Matt Mantei on the 15-day disabled list with a left ankle ligament sprain and recalled pitcher Abe Alvarez from Triple-A Pawtucket.
The right-hander is 1-0 with a 6.49 ERA. He has walked 24 batters in 26 innings.
The injury occurred April 25 during an 8-4 loss to Baltimore when Mantei twisted his ankle while backing up third base, Red Sox manager Terry Francona said.
“He obviously tried to pitch through it, which we appreciate, but it just got to the point he couldn’t manage it,” Francona said.
Alvarez was activated before Saturday’s game. He is 7-3 with a 4.23 ERA in 16 starts for Pawtucket. He is expected to work out of Boston’s bullpen.
Mets activate Cairo, demote Diaz
The New York Mets activated infielder Miguel Cairo from the disabled list and optioned outfielder Victor Diaz to Triple-A Norfolk.
Cairo, batting .286 with one homer and six RBIs, had been on the 15-day DL since June 15 with a strained left hamstring.
“I feel good,” he said. “Just happy to be back. I’m ready.”
Cairo completed a four-game minor league rehabilitation assignment Friday in Florida.
Diaz was hitting .242 with five homers and 18 RBIs in 124 at-bats.
Astros designate Franco
John Franco was designated for assignment by the Houston Astros, removing him from the 40-man roster and giving the team 10 days to decide what to do with the N.L.’s career leader in saves.
The Astros can trade Franco, release him or send the 44-year-old left-hander to the minors.
The former Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets closer is 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA in 31 games this season. He has 424 career saves, second all-time behind Lee Smith.