Cardinals run into double play

NOTES

The St. Louis Cardinals ran into an unusual double play against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the fourth inning Sunday when Yadier Molina hit a liner off the right-center fence, but passed a teammate who had stopped between first and second.

The play came with one out and runners on first and second. Abraham Nunez, who was on first, apparently thought Molina’s drive was caught by right fielder Matt Lawton and was retreating to first as Molina rounded the bag and passed him while gesturing to his teammate to turn around.

Molina was called out for passing Nunez on the basepaths, and the stunned Nunez was standing near second when he was tagged out by second baseman Jose Castillo for an inning-ending double play.

Clearing the bases

Doug Mientkiewicz was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Mets after injuring his right hamstring in the on-deck circle in Saturday’s win over the Yankees. The Mets also purchased the contract of veteran infielder Jose Offerman from Triple-A Norfolk. … Padres first baseman Phil Nevin was placed on the 15-day DL with a strained muscle in his left side. The move was made retroactive to Tuesday. Outfielder Ben Johnson was recalled from Triple-A Portland to take Nevin’s roster spot. … Tigers shortstop Carlos Guillen was activated from the 15-day DL. The team also announced that outfielder Magglio Ordonez will began a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Toledo today. … The Reds placed left-hander Randy Keisler on the 15-day DL and recalled lefty Brian Shackelford from Triple-A Louisville.