Braves’ Thomson could miss three months with injured finger
around the horn
Braves pitcher John Thomson will miss up to three months because of an injured finger, depriving Atlanta of one of its most effective starters.
He hurt his right middle finger during Monday night’s game at San Diego.
While the initial diagnosis was a strained tendon flexor, the first-place Braves worried it was much worse. An MRI confirmed their fears, showing the right-hander actually has a partial tear to the supporting structure around the tendon.
Surgery won’t be required, but it will be at least a month before Thomson can pick up a baseball to begin his rehabilitation.
“Toronto’s Corey Koskie broke his right thumb in Thursday’s 4-0 loss at Minnesota.
Koskie, in the lineup as the Blue Jays’ designated hitter, was hurt sliding into second base in the second inning. He was taken to a hospital for X-rays, which revealed the fracture.
Manager John Gibbons gave no timetable for his return. Koskie will remain in the Twin Cities this weekend and see a hand specialist before the team decides what to do next.
“Cleveland outfielder Coco Crisp could miss three months after tearing a ligament in his right thumb while sliding into third base during Tuesday night’s game against the Los Angeles Angels.
“Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez is expected to miss at least the first two games of the weekend series against the Los Angeles Dodgers because of a strained right forearm.
Rodriguez has been sidelined since Monday.
Rodriguez’s status will be reassessed after he throws in the bullpen today.
He has 10 saves in 11 chances this year.
Mariners get Borders from Brewers
Pat Borders, the 1992 World Series MVP who has been playing in the minor leagues, was traded by the Milwaukee Brewers to the Seattle Mariners for cash considerations.
Borders, 42, batted .245 with three home runs and 14 RBIs in 26 games this season with Triple-A Nashville. The Brewers signed him to a minor league contract in November.
The Mariners needed a catcher to fill in for Wiki Gonzalez, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday because of a strained hamstring.
Borders spent the 2004 season with Seattle and Minnesota. He hit .232 with a home run and 10 RBIs in 38 games.