Notebook: Cards, Tigers strike a deal

The St. Louis Cardinals were desperate for a starting pitcher. The Detroit Tigers had a surplus. So last year’s World Series opponents worked out a deal.

The Tigers traded lefty Mike Maroth to the struggling Cardinals on Friday, just hours before Kenny Rogers made his first start of the season for Detroit.

The Tigers will receive a player to be named for Maroth, who had an arm operation last year.

Giambi meeting in July

Jason Giambi won’t meet with baseball steroids investigator George Mitchell until July at the earliest.

In announcing Giambi’s agreement to cooperate with the probe Thursday, baseball commissioner Bud Selig said Mitchell assured him “Giambi’s interview will be scheduled promptly.” But the busy calendars of the various lawyers who will attend the session make setting the date a complicated task.

Twins all-star injured

Minnesota Twins slugger Justin Morneau was taken to a Miami hospital with an injury to his upper right chest after he collided with Florida Marlins catcher Miguel Olivo at home plate.

Morneau was coughing up blood repeatedly, was out of breath and had chest pains, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said.

Willis needs more time

Florida Marlins ace Dontrelle Willis will rest at least two extra days before pitching again to recover from forearm tightness that limited him to one inning in his most recent start.

Clearing the bases

Boston Red Sox starter Curt Schilling was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of soreness in his right shoulder. … Troubled Tampa Bay outfielder Elijah Dukes was placed on the temporary inactive list. … Center fielder Darin Erstad came off the disabled list and then came out of the Chicago White Sox lineup after just one-half inning when he aggravated a sprained left ankle. … The Pittsburgh Pirates claimed first baseman-catcher Josh Phelps of Rathdrum off waivers from the New York Yankees. … The Chicago Cubs activated slugging third baseman Aramis Ramirez from the 15-day disabled list.