Wild Willis sent to minors
After watching yet another wild show on the mound, the Detroit Tigers sent Dontrelle Willis down to Class A on Tuesday in hopes the struggling lefty can find his control.
The Tigers optioned Willis to Lakeland of the Florida State League – home to the Tigers’ spring training camp – a day after he matched a career high by giving up eight earned runs on five walks and three hits in 11/3 innings against Cleveland.
Willis (0-1) has walked 21 batters in 111/3 innings this season. The 8-2 loss to the Indians came in his second start since going on the disabled list with a hyperextended right knee.
Griffey wants baseball
When it comes to Ken Griffey Jr.’s 600th home run ball, “Joe” still doesn’t know what to do.
The man who caught the historic ball – identified only as a longtime Florida Marlins season-ticket holder named “Joe” – has not decided between selling the ball or giving it back to Griffey, the Cincinnati Reds slugger who became the sixth player in history to reach the 600-homer plateau on Monday night.
Marlins president David Samson, who said he knows the ticket holder from various team events, met with the man and will speak to him again in the coming days. Through the team, Joe has declined to reveal his full identity or release any personal details.
“I think he knows what all his options are, in terms of selling it, in terms of getting something else for it, in terms of a trade,” Samson said.
Griffey told the Marlins on Monday night that he would like the ball. The Reds approached “Joe” about Griffey’s wishes, but their attempts were rebuffed.
Clearing the bases
San Diego Padres pitcher Jake Peavy will come off the disabled list and start against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday. Peavy has been on the DL with a strained right elbow. … John Smoltz had the labrum in his right shoulder repaired and the Atlanta Braves said it will be months before the pitcher knows if his career can resume. … Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones, leading the major leagues in hitting at .420, was out of the lineup for a second straight game because of a small tear in his right quadriceps. … Steve Trachsel was designated for assignment by the Baltimore Orioles, who couldn’t count on the right-hander in the bullpen after he struggled as a starter. … Eliot Asinof, 88, an author who invited readers behind the scenes of the sports world with books including “Eight Men Out,” died at Hudson, N.Y.