Baseball notebook: Wedge safe for season
Cleveland general manager Mark Shapiro put an end to speculation that Indians manager Eric Wedge could be fired before season’s end.
“Eric and his staff will be managing and coaching this team for the remainder of the season,” Shapiro announced. “As I’ve said all along, the responsibility for the disappointment of the season doesn’t rest on one person.”
Shapiro’s declaration was not intended as either a long-term endorsement of Wedge’s work or as a warning that he has three months to turn the Tribe around or face the consequences.
“Nothing has changed. But since this controversy about Wedge has the ability to be a distraction, I want to stop it.”
Big Unit leaves early
Giants left-handed starter Randy Johnson left Sunday’s 7-1 loss to the Houston Astros with a left shoulder strain after committing a throwing error in the top of the fourth inning.
“I’m going to make this short,” Johnson said. “Right now it’s a strain and I’m going for an MRI tomorrow. That’s all I’m going to say.”
Johnson originally hurt the shoulder when took an awkward swing against Roy Oswalt in striking out in the bottom of the third.
Johnson gave up solo home runs to Hunter Pence and Jason Michaels, and then threw the ball down the right field line on Oswalt’s soft grounder back to the mound.
Trainers raced to the mound after the play, examined Johnson and made the decision to end his stint. Justin Miller took over with two outs in the fourth.
Wang goes on DL
Yankees starter Chien-Ming Wang went back on the disabled list Sunday with a right shoulder strain, and manager Joe Girardi said he’s not sure how long the right-hander will be out of the rotation.
Wang, who missed time earlier this season with a hip injury, won’t begin throwing until after the All-Star break.
“He has a shoulder strain and they want to give it a rest and a chance to build back up a bit,” Girardi said.
Padres trade Hairston
The San Diego Padres have traded outfielder Scott Hairston to the Oakland Athletics for two minor league pitchers and a player to be named.
The Athletics sent right-handers Ryan Webb and Craig Italiano to San Diego.
Hairston was hitting .299 with 10 home runs and 29 RBIs in 55 games for the Padres.