Verlander becomes a hit
Justin Verlander found out real quickly how much a no-hitter changed his life.
When the Detroit Tigers young ace walked into a restaurant with his girlfriend, he was greeted with a standing ovation.
“Yeah, the second one of the night,” Verlander said Wednesday, about 17 hours after pitching a no-hitter against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Verlander was not so special when he reported to Comerica Park for the night’s game.
“I had a drug test,” he said. “I guess that happens when you throw 100-something in the ninth inning.”
Brewers slugger Prince Fielder said Verlander does more than simply fire away.
“He never throws his fastball down the middle,” Fielder said. “When you’re hitting your spots at 100, to be honest, it’s going to be a tough day.
“The guy throws 95 to 100, so you’re not looking for a slider, and when he throws it that good for a strike it just kind of buckles you and you have to tip your cap.”
A’s give GM extension
Athletics general manager Billy Beane, the architect behind Oakland’s four division titles since 2000, was rewarded with a seven-year contract extension.
Team president Michael Crowley also received a seven-year extension from A’s owner and managing partner Lew Wolff.
Braves activate Jones
Chipper Jones was activated from the disabled list by the Atlanta Braves before their game at Minnesota, where he was likely to DH to give his bruised hands more rest.
Jones was first hurt in a collision with Pittsburgh’s Jose Bautista on May 11 while running to third base. He missed four games, returned for a week and was then placed on the DL because of pain between his thumbs and wrists.
Clearing the bases
Reds broadcaster Marty Brennaman apologized on the air for comparing Cincinnati’s upcoming road trip to the Bataan Death March. Brennaman told radio listeners during the Reds’ game Tuesday night against the Angels that he was wrong to make the comparison in an earlier broadcast. … Anibal Sanchez’s path back to the Florida Marlins has hit a significant snag. Sanchez, who threw a no-hitter as a rookie last September but has struggled and was sent to the minors last month, will visit an orthopedic surgeon on Wednesday. Sanchez has been bothered by a sore right shoulder – his pitching arm – for several months. … Hall of Famers Juan Marichal and Dave Winfield were picked to manage in the All-Star Futures game on July 8 in San Francisco. … Troubled Tampa Bay Devil Rays outfielder Elijah Dukes was not in uniform for the game against San Diego. Manager Joe Maddon said the 22-year-old rookie was given a “personal day” after it was revealed that a pregnant 18-year-old girl is claiming that Dukes is the father of her unborn child.