MLB Notes: San Diego Padres retire Hoffman’s 51
The San Diego Padres retired the No. 51 worn by Trevor Hoffman, baseball’s career saves leader.
Known for his menacing glare, high leg kick and wicked changeup, Hoffman had 601 saves in a career lasting from 1993-2010, 552 of them with the Padres.
Hoffman and his family wiped away tears after watching a video of Hoffman’s father, Ed, singing the national anthem at Fenway Park on opening day in 1981, when Glenn Hoffman was shortstop for the Red Sox. Ed Hoffman, known as “The Singing Usher” at Anaheim Stadium, died in 1995.
During the ceremony, Hoffman told his three sons, “One person doesn’t deserve all this.”
The Padres presented Hoffman with a black 1958 Cadillac convertible. Among the video tributes was one from AC/DC singer Brian Johnson. Hoffman’s home save opportunities were always lively, with AC/DC’s “Hells Bells” blaring from the sound system the instant he started jogging in from the bullpen.
Angels give Weaver five-year deal
The Los Angeles Angels have scheduled a news conference for Tuesday, when the team is expected to announce it has agreed with pitcher Jered Weaver on a five-year contract.
SI.com first reported that Weaver and the Angels have agreed to a deal worth $85 million.
The 28-year-old Weaver leads the American League with a 2.10 ERA and is 14-6 this season. He started the All-Star game for the A.L.
Giants place closer Wilson on 15-day DL
The San Francisco Giants placed closer Brian Wilson on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with inflammation in his right elbow and recalled RHP Steve Edlefsen from Triple-A Fresno.
Wilson’s DL stay is retroactive to Tuesday. The closer has not pitched since a blown save at Atlanta on Monday. Wilson started the season on the DL with a left oblique strain.
Around the bases
Top pitching prospect Drew Pomeranz, the key acquisition by the Colorado Rockies in the deal that sent Ubaldo Jimenez to Cleveland, is out after having an appendectomy. … The Pittsburgh Pirates signed outfielder Jose Tabata to a six-year contract extension. … The Houston Astros optioned right-hander Jordan Lyles to Triple-A Oklahoma City in anticipation of OF Jordan Schafer coming off the disabled list. … Atlanta’s Peter Moylan begins an injury rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett.