Phillips’ words spark tempers

Outspoken Brandon Phillips was in the middle of a first-inning altercation between the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals, who evidently don’t appreciate being called complainers.

The second baseman had words with Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina when he came to bat in the bottom of the first inning. Phillips removed his helmet, and Molina took off his mask as their exchange escalated.

Both benches and bullpens emptied, but there was nothing more than shoving initially. Cardinals manager Tony La Russa and Reds manager Dusty Baker exchanged words in the middle of the crowd.

Reds third baseman Scott Rolen went after Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter near the edge of the crowd, and the two wound up crunched against the backstop. Carpenter got shoved into the backstop screen.

Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto ended up with his back against the backstop, kicking furiously to free himself from the mob.

The altercation ended after seven minutes. Rolen went up to Carpenter to make amends. Both managers were ejected, but no players.

Extra rest for Morrow

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Brandon Morrow will get extra rest before his next start after throwing a career-high 137 pitches in his last outing, a one-hit, 17-strikeout victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

It was the first career complete game and first shutout for Morrow, who will get eight days off before his next start, Aug. 17 at Oakland.

Nippert recovering

Texas Rangers pitcher Dustin Nippert could soon get back on the mound after experiencing headaches and dizzy spells from taking a line drive to the head three weeks ago.

Nippert threw long toss off flat ground for the fourth time in five days without any problems.

Clearing the bases

Mark Teixeira was not in the New York Yankees lineup and won’t even be in Texas for the two-game set against the A.L.West-leading Rangers, as Teixeira is back home in the New York area after his wife gave birth to the couple’s third child. … Red Sox infielder Dustin Pedroia is running at full speed and could begin a minor league rehab assignment this weekend. … The Reds will see if right-hander Homer Bailey can pitch out of the bullpen. The former first-round draft pick is on a rehabilitation assignment in the minors after shoulder inflammation.