Posted on June 25, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Cubs manager Dusty Baker said he is “uncertain” about whether Carlos Marmol will get the call for his next scheduled start on Wednesday, according to the Daily Southtown. The rookie gave up 11 runs over 11 2/3 innings during his past two starts. It appears that if Angel Guzman is not needed in long relief in the next couple of days, he’ll start Wednesday’s game, instead of Marmol. Dusty Baker prefers him as a reliever, “For two or three innings, the guy is lights out,” Baker said. Angel Guzman would likely move into the rotation if Marmol is sent to the pen.
As expected, the Braves have recalled Chuck James from Triple-A Richmond, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He’ll make his first major league start on Sunday. James posted a 2.38 ERA in 11 1/3 innings of relief for the Braves earlier this season. Just don’t be surprised if he’s more of an asset in WHIP than in ERA.
Although Giants manager Felipe Alou said that Armando Benitez was unavailable Saturday due to “a little bit of a tender elbow,” Alou added that the Giants had not considered placing the closer on the disabled list, according to the Contra Costa Times. He apparently had diminished velocity when he blew his fourth save of the season on Friday.
Mike Lieberthal said yesterday that he doesn’t expect to return to action before next weekend, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. He’s on the disabled list with a strained left hip
Jeff Kent will get a scheduled day off on Sunday. Kent could be used as a pinch hitter in the game against the Pirates.
Doug Davis gave up six runs — three earned — in three-plus innings Saturday in a loss to the Royals. Five of the six runs scored in the fourth, an inning which started off with a homer and two walks. Davis proceeded to get two grounders, which were botched by Bill Hall and Corey Koskie. The former should have been a double play, and errors were ruled on both. After a two-run double followed, the Brewers decided to replace him with Jeremi Gonzalez. It was the first loss for Davis in five starts.
Moises Alou could be back in the lineup by Tuesday, manager Felipe Alou said Saturday. Alou hasn’t played in a week due to back spasms.
Jose Reyes had four hits for the third time in 11 games Saturday in a loss to the Jays. Reyes has raised his average from .246 to .294 during a 12-game hitting streak. He also stole his 33rd base, extending his major league lead over Corey Patterson (29) and Chone Figgins (26).