MLB notes: Wrigley Field in need of renovation

While the stadium issues in Oakland and Tampa Bay are viewed as the most crucial in baseball, commissioner Bud Selig quietly is trying to help the Cubs secure funding for a public-private partnership that would allow Wrigley Field to be updated along the lines of Boston’s Fenway Park.

The State of Illinois rebuffed the Cubs two years ago, and talks with the City of Chicago have stalled, in part because of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s displeasure at Joe Ricketts’ opposition to President Barack Obama’s re-election.

It was revealed during conversations after last week’s All-Star Game in Kansas City that Major League Baseball is promising to bring the All-Star Game to Wrigley Field as soon as possible after the ballpark is improved.

The round figure being thrown around for Wrigley updating is $500 million, with $300 million going to the ballpark itself and $200 million going to the long-proposed “triangle building” adjacent to the park that would feature various attractions. It has been reported that the team will construct the building itself but would like about $150 million in public funding to help pay for the ballpark improvements.

Dempster’s streak now 33 innings

Ryan Dempster tied the Chicago Cubs’ record with a 33-inning scoreless streak, pitching six scoreless frames and leading Chicago to a 4-1 win over Arizona. Dempster matched the club shutout streak set by Ken Holtzman in 1969.

Cardinals activate Berkman from DL

St. Louis activated first baseman Lance Berkman off the disabled list before its game against Cincinnati.

Berkman had been sidelined since he tore cartilage in his right knee on May 19.

Clearing the bases

Arizona activated Joe Saunders from the 15-day disabled list and the left-hander started Saturday against the Cubs. Saunders, who last pitched June 16, had been shelved because of a strain in his left shoulder. He allowed three earned runs in six innings in a 4-1 loss. … Baltimore right-hander Jason Hammel will miss his next start because of a knee injury. Hammel left Friday night’s game against Detroit in the fourth inning after hurting his right knee while throwing a pitch. … The Atlanta Braves recalled shortstop Tyler Pastornicky from Triple-A Gwinnett and sent catcher J.C. Boscan back to the minors. … The Detroit Tigers placed rookie left-hander Drew Smyly on the 15-day disabled list with a strained muscle in his right side.