Thomas has huge night
Frank Thomas hit three home runs in Toronto to lift the Blue Jays over the Boston Red Sox 6-1 on Monday night, raising his total to 512 and tying Ernie Banks and Eddie Mathews for 18th on the career list.
Thomas homered twice off knuckleballer Tim Wakefield (16-11), then hit his third against reliever Kyle Snyder. Thomas had three homers one other time – hitting all of them off Wakefield at Fenway Park on Sept. 15, 1996.
Dustin McGowan (11-9) pitched a five-hitter, struck out nine and walked none, sending the A.L. East leaders to their third loss in four games.
Thomas hit a two-run homer in the first, then added a solo shot off the left-field foul pole in the sixth to tie Mel Ott on the career list. Thomas connected again in the eighth to raise his total off Boston pitchers to 40, the most among active players.
It was the fourth multihomer game of the season for Thomas and the 33rd of his career.
Mulder struggling
Cardinals pitcher Mark Mulder might have additional tests on his surgically repaired left shoulder after struggling in all three starts this month.
Trainer Barry Weinberg said Monday that an MRI exam could be scheduled for Mulder, who was to be examined by St. Louis team physician Dr. George Paletta. Mulder, 0-3 with a 12.27 ERA, experienced discomfort during Sunday’s 4-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs.
Rivera able to play
Mariano Rivera pitched in relief for the New York Yankees one night after the pinkie on his pitching hand was bruised by a stray throw as he loosened up in the bullpen at Fenway Park.
The star closer was stretching late in Sunday night’s game against the Red Sox, preparing to warm up, when an errant toss hit him on both bare hands.
Toronto players ailing
Blue Jays third baseman Troy Glaus had surgery on his left foot, and first baseman Lyle Overbay will have a procedure next week to remove four screws from his hand.
Glaus hopes to be ready by spring training next season and Overbay should be available to pinch hit until the procedure, which will end his season.