Baseball notebook: Boone back with Astros
Aaron Boone returned to the major leagues Tuesday, rejoining the Houston Astros just five months after having open-heart surgery.
The 36-year-old third baseman was activated off the disabled list.
“It’s good to be in this position and back here after all that has gone through in my life this year. I’m excited about it,” he said.
Boone was not in Tuesday night’s lineup against the Chicago Cubs, but will play soon, manager Cecil Cooper said.
Boone signed with the Astros in the offseason, then had an operation on March 26 because of a congenital defect in his aortic valve.
At the time of his surgery, the 11-year veteran did not expect such a speedy return.
“Five months ago, no,” Boone said. “But I think fairly shortly after surgery and once I knew everything went well, I wouldn’t say it was a priority, but I certainly thought it was possible.”
Rockies add Giambi
The Colorado Rockies, vying for a playoff spot, added former A.L. MVP Jason Giambi to the active roster.
Before joining the Rockies, Giambi hit .193 (52 for 269) with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs in 83 games for Oakland this season.
Clearing the bases
Third baseman David Wright was activated from the 15-day disabled list and was in the New York Mets’ lineup at Colorado. Wright sustained a concussion when he was hit in the head by a pitch from San Francisco’s Matt Cain on Aug. 15. … The Detroit Tigers recalled right-hander Jeremy Bonderman from his injury rehabilitation assignment at Triple-A Toledo and reinstated him from the disabled list. Bonderman had been on the 15-day disabled list because of soreness after shoulder surgery in the spring. … The Texas Rangers activated right-handed starter Brandon McCarthy and lefty reliever Eddie Guardado as part of their September roster expansion. Also added were former Spokane Indians German Duran, an infielder, Craig Gentry, an outfielder, and catcher Kevin Richardson (Gonzaga University). … St. Louis gave contract extensions to closer Ryan Franklin and left-handed specialist Trever Miller. Franklin, formerly with the Seattle Mariners, leads the National League with 35 saves in 37 chances.