Alou promises Giant changes

NOTES

The San Francisco Giants released right-hander Jim Brower following their 5-3 loss to the Cleveland Indians on Sunday, and both manager Felipe Alou and general manager Brian Sabean promised further changes in the days ahead.

An anticipated move involving a position player was delayed because Edgardo Alfonzo pulled a muscle trying to beat out a double play ball in the eighth inning.

“We don’t know if we’re going to need an infielder now,” Alou said. “We’ll have to wait on the move until Tuesday. We might have to make two moves instead of one.”

Right-hander Jesse Foppert was recalled from San Jose of the California League to take Brower’s roster spot.

Penny agrees to contract

Brad Penny has gone from starting the season on the disabled list to a three-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The right-hander will earn $25 million during the next three seasons and an additional $7.25 million in 2009 if the Dodgers pick up a club option.

Clearing the bases

Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui doesn’t think his consecutive games streak is in jeopardy, even though he left the game against the Cardinals with an injured right ankle. Matsui expects to be in the lineup Tuesday. … The Red Sox activated catcher Doug Mirabelli from the 15-day DL and sent catcher Kelly Shoppach to Triple-A Pawtucket. … The Cardinals activated reliever Cal Eldred. To make room for Eldred, left-hander Gabe White was designated for assignment. … The Rockies recalled infielder Ryan Shealy and optioned infielder Tim Olson to Triple-A Colorado Springs. … Jose Vidro thinks he can return to the Nationals from a left ankle injury before the end of June, more than two weeks ahead of schedule. … Scott Rolen, who had been hoping to begin a rehab assignment today, will stay in St. Louis the next three days to strengthen his surgically repaired left shoulder. … Home plate umpire Derryl Cousins left the Yankees-Cardinals game after 4 1/2 innings due to an undisclosed illness.

Associated Press