Cincinnati cuts Graves loose

NOTES

Closer Danny Graves was let go by the Cincinnati Reds on Monday, a day after he made an obscene hand gesture at a fan taunting him over his latest poor performance.

The club’s career saves leader was shocked by the decision to designate him for assignment, a move that ended his eight-year career in Cincinnati. The Reds have 10 days to trade him or put him on waivers.

“I always knew this day would come,” Graves said. “I didn’t think it would be so soon.”

Graves’ latest tough outing raised his ERA to 7.76. He was 1-1 and had 10 saves in 12 chances.

Surgery for Loretta

Padres All-Star second baseman Mark Loretta is scheduled to have surgery on a torn ligament in his left thumb today and is expected to miss at least two months.

Loretta was hurt while sliding headfirst into first base while beating out an infield single against Atlanta last Tuesday.

Clearing the bases

The Angels put closer Francisco Rodriguez on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained right forearm. The move is retroactive to May 15. … Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd, 45, earned a roster spot with the Brockton Rox and signed with the independent Can Am League team, extending his attempt at a big league comeback 14 years after he left the majors. … Colorado right-hander Shawn Chacon left the Rockies’ game against the Brewers in the top of the fifth inning Monday with a sprained right ankle. … The Rangers traded right-handed pitcher Vladimir Nunez to St. Louis for a player to be named.