Notebook: Rodriguez may stay home
Alex Rodriguez hasn’t decided whether he will play in Tuesday’s All-Star game or use the three-day break to rest his strained hamstring.
The New York Yankees slugger, who leads the major leagues with 28 homers and 80 RBIs, topped fan voting for the game in San Francisco with 3.89 million votes. He hurt his left hamstring Monday night when he tripped over Minnesota first baseman Justin Morneau’s ankle while beating out a potential double play.
“I told the guys I’ll let them know Saturday … but if I feel like this, probably not,” Rodriguez said Wednesday.
The third baseman added he would still go to the All-Star game even if he decides not to play.
Rodriguez has played in every game this season and hasn’t been on the disabled list since July 2000 with Seattle, when he had a right knee strain.
Smoltz needs diagnosis
John Smoltz will return to Atlanta today and meet with Braves doctors about his right shoulder discomfort.
The 40-year-old pitcher will likely skip his final start before the All-Star break, which begins Monday. Smoltz will meet with doctors Friday to discuss what type of test is appropriate, the team said.
Clearing the bases
The New York Mets purchased the contract of former Spokane Indians catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. from Triple-A New Orleans and sent left-hander Jason Vargas to the minors. … Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Randy Wolf went on the 15-day disabled list with a sore left shoulder. … Kansas City designated hitter Mike Sweeney will have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee today and it is unknown how long he will be out. … The Boston Red Sox have formed an alliance with Bobby Valentine‘s team, the Chiba Lotte Marines of Japan’s Pacific League, to share player evaluations and statistical analysis. … San Francisco put left-handed reliever Jonathan Sanchez on the 15-day disabled list with strained muscles in his side. Right-hander Scott Atchison was called up from Triple-A Fresno to take his place. … Baltimore designated reliever Scott Williamson for assignment and purchased the contract of left-hander Garrett Olson from Triple-A Norfolk. … Catcher Kelly Stinnett, outrighted by St. Louis on June 28, decided not to report to Triple-A Memphis.