D-Train gets derailed
The Dontrelle Willis experiment is over for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The team designated the big left-hander for assignment Sunday and recalled young left-handed reliever Jordan Norberto from Triple-A Reno. In his brief time with Arizona, Willis had the same control problems that plagued him in Detroit.
The Diamondbacks acquired Willis from the Tigers on June 1 for right-hander Billy Buckner, with Detroit picking up most of the pitcher’s $12 million salary. In six games with Arizona, five as a starter, Willis was 1-1 with a 6.85 ERA. He struck out 13 and walked 27 in 22 1/3 innings.
Recently moved to the bullpen, his only appearance as a reliever was Saturday night, when Willis gave up three runs on three hits in one inning of Arizona’s 14-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Gallardo leaves game with side injury
Brewers pitcher Yovani Gallardo experienced a roller coaster of emotions.
Prior to starting against the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday, Gallardo was told he’d made his first All-Star team. Then the 24-year-old right-hander strained a left side muscle in the third inning of a 7-1 loss, and now he isn’t sure when he’ll pitch again.
Gallardo clutched his back after an 0-2 curveball to Tyler Greene. He walked off the field with a member of the training staff and said afterward that the area was still sore.
He’ll be evaluated by team physician Dr. William Raasch today in Milwaukee.
Gallardo is 8-4 with a 2.58 ERA. He remained optimistic, although he realized the injury might cost him an appearance in the All-Star game.
Choo may need surgery on thumb
Shin-Soo Choo may be the next Cleveland Indians player to need surgery.
Choo, hoping to be selected to the All-Star team, instead went to the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right thumb. He hopes to avoid surgery that would sideline him a couple of months.
Clearing the bases
Yankees outfielder Marcus Thames has been activated from the disabled list after rehabbing from a strained right hamstring. Outfielder Chad Huffman was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. … The Houston Astros placed infielder Geoff Blum on the 15-day disabled list with a right elbow injury and recalled outfielder Jason Bourgeois from Triple-A Round Rock.