Posted on June 24, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that an MRI revealed that Mark Mulder has a shoulder impingement, inflammation of the rotator cuff and slight fraying of the labrum. He’s expected to remain sidelined at least through the All-Star break, though he’s not expected to require surgery.
Juan Cruz is slated to toss another bullpen session today after throwing one yesterday, according to the Arizona Republic. Cruz, who is recovering from a sore shoulder, is scheduled to make a rehab start Wednesday and could be activated after that.
Chuck James will get the start for the Braves on Sunday, according to the AP. James has a 2.38 ERA in 11 1/3 IP this season.
Moises Alou could be headed to the DL if his back doesn’t improve soon, according to the AP. Alou, who has a strained joint in his lower back, missed his fifth straight game on Friday. “He has played for a lot of years, and he’s got a lot of war wounds,” said trainer Stan Conte. “We’re pushing him along, because we’re short-handed.
Armando Benitez blew his fourth save and took his first loss after giving up two runs in the ninth Friday against the Giants. Giants fans might not be pleased with Benitez, but he did enter tonight’s game with a 1.56 ERA. Also, his only previous blown save that led to a loss came in his first appearance back from the DL in April and was at least as much Tim Worrell’s fault as Benitez’s. His job should be pretty secure.
Carlos Marmol was touched up for seven runs in just 5 2/3 innings against the Twins tonight. Marmol had looked good in two starts and two relief appearances prior to tonight, but this outing saw him walk more batters than he struck out (4/3). That four of the Twins’ six hits went for extra bases didn’t help matters either, and reliever Will Ohman capped the poor outing by allowing two inherited runners to score with two outs in the sixth. Marmol won’t lose his rotation spot unless Kerry Wood is miraculously healthy, but he’s not worth using against the Brewers next week.
Rich Aurilia tonight is making his first start since hurting his arm on Saturday. Aurilia is DHing and batting cleanup against the Indians.