MLB notes: M’s Willie Bloomquist needs surgery

Seattle Mariners utilityman Willie Bloomquist is scheduled for arthroscopic right knee surgery today.

Bloomquist is unsure how he suffered the injury. He first felt discomfort on July 23 and was placed on the 15-day disabled list the next day with what was referred to as a bruised knee.

The decision was made to go ahead with surgery after seeking a second opinion Thursday from Dr. Neal ElAttrache. The procedure will be performed by Mariners medical director Dr. E. Edward Khalfayan. More will be known on the timeline of his recovery after the surgery.

Bloomquist says Thursday: “I’m obviously walking significantly better, but to even mention the word jog or run just hurts, so obviously something’s not right.”

Bloomquist is hitting .278 in 47 games while appearing at seven different positions.

Indians unveil changes to ballpark

The Cleveland Indians are making extensive renovations to 20-year-old Progressive Field, a move that team officials say will improve the fan experience but will reduce capacity at the downtown ballpark by about 5,000 seats.

Team President Mark Shapiro said at a news conference Thursday that the planned changes are the result of extensive research that included visits to other ballparks, arenas and stadiums and surveys to find out what fans wanted most.

“We need to innovate,” Shapiro said. “We need to adapt.”

The renovations are expected to be done in time for next season’s home opener.

Dodgers trade for RHP Hernandez

The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired right-hander Roberto Hernandez (6-8, 3.87 ERA) from the Philadelphia Phillies in a trade for two players to be named later or cash considerations.

Hernandez will start for the N.L.-leading Dodgers tonight in Milwaukee. He will fill in for Josh Beckett, who is scheduled for an MRI exam after feeling discomfort in his left hip.

Angels acquire RHP Pestano from Indians

The Los Angeles Angels have acquired right-hander Vinnie Pestano in a trade with the Cleveland Indians.

Pestano has spent time with Cleveland and Triple-A Columbus this season. He went 0-1 with a 5.00 ERA in 13 games with the Indians, making his last major league appearance on July 10 against the New York Yankees.

The Indians received minor league right-hander Michael Clevinger. The 23-year-old Clevinger is 4-3 with a 4.31 ERA in 18 starts at two Class-A stops this season.

No surgery for Phillies’ Lee

When Cliff Lee consulted with two doctors, there was never a mention of surgery for his troublesome left elbow. The parties agreed that Lee suffered a recurrence of the strained flexor pronator muscle, an injury that sidelined him for two months earlier this season.

The Phillies will adopt another conservative approach with Lee, who may not throw again until October or November.