Phillies Acquire Mike Sweeney

First baseman Mike Sweeney was acquired by the Phillies from the Seattle Mariners for a player to be named later or cash considerations, Senior Vice President & General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. announced today.

Sweeney, 37, was batting .263 with six home runs and 18 RBI in 30 games for the Mariners this season, including three starts at first base. With runners in scoring position, he was hitting .313 (10-32). Sweeney has had two stints on the disabled list this season with back inflammation/spasms. Most recently, he was on a rehabilitation assignment with triple-A Tacoma, where, in 12 games, he hit .366 (15-41) with two home runs and nine RBI.

A five-time American League All-Star, Sweeney has hit at least 20 home runs in six seasons, including 29 in back-to-back seasons (2000-01). He has made 570 career starts at first base.

Originally selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 10th round of the 1991 draft, Sweeney is a career .298 hitter with 213 home runs and 901 RBI in 1,428 games for the Royals (1995-2007), the Oakland A’s (2008) and Seattle (2009-10). With runners in scoring in position, he has batted .328 in his career. In 27 career games against the National League East Division, Sweeney has hit .320.

The Phillies will make a move on the 25-man roster to accommodate Sweeney when he reports.

Red Sox Activate Ellsbury

BOSTON, MA — The Boston Red Sox today activated outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury from the 15-day disabled list and optioned outfielder Daniel Nava to Triple-A Pawtucket. Ellsbury is slated to start in center field and bat leadoff in tonight’s game against the Cleveland Indians at Fenway Park.

The announcement was made by Executive Vice President/General Manager Theo Epstein.

Ellsbury, 26, has been on the disabled list since May 28 with fractured ribs. He appeared in six rehabilitation games with the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Red Sox and Pawtucket and hit .409 (9-for-22) with a double, RBI, six runs scored, two walks and a stolen base playing center field and designated hitter. In nine games for the Red Sox this season, Ellsbury has hit .250 (11-for-44) with four doubles, three RBI, seven runs scored and two stolen bases. He also missed 37 games on the 15-day disabled list from April 20 (retroactive to April 19) to May 22.

The 27-year-old Nava was recalled from Pawtucket on Monday and appeared in one game, going 1-for-2 with a pinch-hit single that night. The switch-hitter has batted .290 (27-for-93) with one home run and 16 RBI in 30 games over two stints with the Red Sox this season and became the second player ever to connect for a grand slam on his first pitch seen in the Major Leagues on June 12. He has also hit .299 (72-for-241) with nine home runs and 44 RBI in 66 games for the PawSox this year, reaching base safely in each of his last 19 Triple-A contests.

Blue Jays IR Buck

The Toronto Blue Jays have placed C John Buck on the 15-day disabled list with a lacerated right thumb following today’s game and have selected the contract of C J.P. Arencibia from Las Vegas of the Pacific Coast League (AAA).

Buck, 30, a first-time All-Star for the Blue Jays in 2010, has appeared in 83 games, posting a .279 average with 14 home runs and 49 RBI. The Salt Lake City, Utah resident is poised to set career highs in many offensive categories, while also becoming only the second Blue Jays catcher to be selected to the All-Star game, joining Ernie Whitt (1985). The 6’3″, 210 lb. catcher will be eligible to be activated on Friday, August 20.

Arencibia, 24, has spent all of the 2010 season with the 51′s posting a .303 average with 31 home runs and 79 RBI in 95 games. The 31 home runs and 64 extra-base hits currently rank T-1st in all of the minor leagues this season. The Miami, Florida native batted .342 in the months of June and July, hitting 22 of his 31 home runs and recording a 21-game hit streak from June 21 – July 17. The right-handed hitting catcher has now recorded 82 home runs in the minors since being selected with the 21st overall pick by the Blue Jays in the 2007 First Year Player Draft.

Cardinals IR Motte

The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have placed right-handed reliever Jason Motte on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to August 3, due to an AC sprain of his right shoulder. The club has also recalled right-handed pitcher Fernando Salas from Memphis (AAA). Salas’ recall is his fifth this season.
Salas, 25, has appeared in 10 games with the Cardinals this season, going 0-0 with a 2.31 ERA while striking out 9 batters in his 11.2 innings pitched. He has posted a 1-0 mark with a 2.53 ERA and 18 saves in 31 games for Memphis.
Motte joins a list of five other Cardinals (Brad Penny, Kyle Lohse, David Freese, Adam Ottavino and Tyler Greene) who are currently on the disabled list.

Jose Bautista, Delmon Young, Gavin Floyd earn American League Monthly honors for July

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista and Minnesota Twins designated hitter Delmon Young have been voted the American League Players of the Month for July, while Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Gavin Floyd has been voted the American League Pitcher of the Month for July. This marks the first time the A.L. Player of the Month Award has been shared since August 1999, when Texas Rangers teammates Rafael Palmeiro and Ivan Rodriguez both won the honors.

Bautista led the Majors with 11 home runs during July, marking the second time this season he has recorded the most home runs in a single month (12 in May). Jose, who made his All-Star Game debut in July, also becomes the first Blue Jay in club history to lead the Majors in homers in at least two different months of a single calendar season.

Jose also led the A.L. with a .765 slugging percentage and ranked third with 29 RBI while posting a .347 batting average with eight doubles and 20 runs scored. Jose compiled 10 multi-hit efforts during the month, including six two-hit games, three three-hit games and one four-hit contest. Bautista posted a season-best eight-game hitting streak from July 22nd – 28th, and had multi-hit performances in each of the last five games of the streak. On July 27th vs. Baltimore, Jose recorded a season-high four hits and collected his fifth multi-homer game of the season with two home runs and five RBI. During the three game series against the Orioles, the 29-year-old Dominican native went 8-for-12 (.667) with three doubles, three home runs, eight RBI and six runs scored. Dating back to September 1st of last season, Bautista leads the Majors with 43 home runs, nine more than Milwaukee’s Prince Fielder (34). This is the first career monthly award for Bautista.

Young led the A.L. with 46 hits during the month, batting .434 (46-for-106), and tied for the league-lead with 12 doubles. The 24-year-old slugger also finished second in the league with 30 RBI and collected six home runs with 17 runs scored while slugging .736. Delmon hit safely in 23 of 26 games played and had multi-hit performances in 16 contests. On July 24th at Baltimore, Young posted his fifth career four-hit game, going 4-for-4 with a home run and three RBI. Just two days later on July 26th at Kansas City, the top overall selection of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft, turned the trick again, going 4-for-6 with two doubles and an RBI. In a three-game set against the Royals from July 26th – 28th, Young hit 9-15 (.600) with three doubles, one homer, five RBI and six runs scored. Young drove in at least one run in 18 of his 26 games, including seven multi-RBI performances. Dating back to June 3rd, Delmon has hit safely in 46 of 54 games, going 79-for-210 (.376) with 19 doubles, one triple, nine homers and 52 RBI. This marks the first career monthly award for Young.

Floyd posted a Major League-leading 0.80 ERA en route to a 3-1 mark over five starts in July. In 33.2 innings pitched, the 27-year-old right-hander permitted just three earned runs on 28 hits with seven walks and 25 strikeouts while holding opposing hitters to a .228 batting average. Gavin earned victories in back-to-back home starts to begin the month on July 5th against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and July 10th versus Kansas City, allowing just one earned run in each start. On July 21st at Seattle, Floyd tossed 7.0 shutout innings with six strikeouts in a no-decision, and followed up his performance with 7.0 scoreless innings against the Mariners on July 27th at U.S. Cellular Field to extend his scoreless innings streak to 15.0 innings. The Maryland native has not allowed more than two earned runs in 11 consecutive outings, which is the longest such streak of his career. In addition, his 1.06 ERA since June 8th ranks first in the Majors ahead of San Diego’s Mat Latos (1.57). This is the first career monthly award for Floyd.

Other players who received votes for the monthly award were Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (.398, 6 HR, 23 RBI); June’s Player of Month Award winner Josh Hamilton (.418, 5 HR, 17 RBI) of the Rangers; and New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira (.344, 8 HR, 26 RBI). Pitchers who received support were Carl Pavano (4-0, 2.91 ERA) of the Twins, June’s Pitcher of the Month Award winner Cliff Lee (2-1, 2.28 ERA) of the Rangers and reliever Rafael Soriano (0-1, 2.57 ERA, 11 saves) of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Posey and Halladay Win NL Honors

San Francisco Giants rookie catcher-first baseman Buster Posey and Philadelphia Phillies ace Roy Halladay have been voted the National League Player and Pitcher of the Month, respectively, for July.

Posey was one of the hottest hitters in the Majors in July as he led the N.L. with 43 hits and ranked third with a .417 average (43-for-103). His 24 RBI were tied for third-best in the N.L., while his .466 on-base percentage and .699 slugging percentage ranked fourth and fifth in the league, respectively. The Florida State University product added six doubles and 20 runs scored. San Francisco’s first round pick (5th overall) in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft clubbed seven home runs in July, the highest monthly home run total by a Giants rookie since Jack Clark hit seven in 1977. Posey’s 21-game hitting streak from July 4th-29th marked the longest streak in the N.L. this year and tied Jose Guillen for second-longest in the Major Leagues behind Josh Hamilton’s 23-game streak from June 4th-30th.

On July 7th, the 23-year old slugger clubbed two homers and collected a career-high four hits in a 15-2 win at Milwaukee. The multi-homer performance was the first in the Major League career of the 2008 Golden Spikes Award winner, symbolic of the best amateur player in the country. This is his first career monthly award for the Georgia native, who becomes the first N.L. rookie to win N.L. Player of the Month honors since Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun did so in July 2007.

In five July starts, Halladay went 3-1 with a 1.54 ERA. The right hander’s 39 strikeouts were good for second in the National League while his 41.0 innings pitched ranked fourth. His two complete games were tied for the most in the Majors. Halladay recorded his 10th win of the season on July 5th, tossing a complete game in a 3-1 victory over Atlanta. In his next start, the seven-time All-Star threw nine shutout innings against the N.L. Central-leading Reds, but did not factor in the decision before the Phillies captured the 1-0 game in 11 innings. On July 28th, the Colorado native notched his Major League-leading eighth complete game of the season, holding the Diamondbacks to one run while striking out nine in a 7-1 win at Citizens Bank Park. Halladay’s 158 strikeouts and 2.17 ERA rank second in the Majors while his 13 wins are tied for fourth. This is Roy’s fourth career monthly award and his first as a National Leaguer.

In extremely tight voting for the Pitcher of the Month Award, Halladay edged out Florida’s Ricky Nolasco (5-1, 3.00 ERA, 42.0 IP, 47 SO) and San Diego’s Mat Latos (3-0, 1.04 ERA, 26.0 IP, 29 SO). Other pitchers receiving votes were San Diego’s Heath Bell (2-0, 1.54 ERA, 8 SV); Florida’s Josh Johnson (2-0, 1.35 ERA, 33.1 IP, 39 SO); and Johan Santana (3-0, 2.06 ERA, 43.2 IP, 28 SO) of the New York Mets. Colorado’s Carlos Gonzalez (.382, 9 HR, 22 RBI, 7 2B, 20 R, 4 SB) and Cincinnati’s Joey Votto (.362, 9 HR, 17 RBI, 24 R, .455 OBP) also received votes for Player of the Month.

Soriano Win Reliever of the Month

Rafael Soriano of the Tampa Bay Rays has been selected as the winner of the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Month Award for July, it was announced today. This Major League Baseball award recognizes the most outstanding relief pitcher during each month of the regular season as voted on by a panel from Major League Baseball.

Soriano recorded a Major League-best 11 saves during July while posting a 2.57 ERA in 14 appearances. In 14.0 innings pitched, Rafael surrendered 11 hits and four earned runs with four walks and nine strikeouts. In six of his appearances during the month, Soriano tossed a perfect inning of relief. The 30-year-old right-hander converted saves on four consecutive days from July 3rd – 4th at Minnesota and July 5th – 6th vs. Tampa Bay’s A.L. East-rival Boston Red Sox. The Dominican-born closer also saved games on back-to-back days from July 24th – 25th at Cleveland and July 27th – 28th against Detroit. Rafael also made his first All-Star Game appearance in Anaheim, tossing a perfect eighth inning. He was the fourth Rays closer ever named to the A.L. All-Star team, joining Roberto Hernandez (1999), Lance Carter (2003) and Danys Baez (2005). Soriano’s 11 saves in July tied him with Baez (August 2005) for the most saves in a single month by a Rays pitcher. Soriano has an A.L.-leading 30 saves on the season and is just the third Rays pitcher to reach that plateau, joining Hernandez (43 in 1999, 32 in 2000) and Baez (30 in 2004, 41 in 2005). Since July 1, 2009, his 51 saves are the most in the Majors. This is the second Delivery Man of the Month Award this season for Rafael, who was also voted the winner in May.

Other relievers receiving votes included Heath Bell (2-0, 1.54 ERA, 8 SV, 11.2 IP, 4 BB, 15 SO) of the San Diego Padres; Leo Nuñez (1-1, 2.31 ERA, 10 SV, 11.2 IP, 3 BB, 17 SO) of the Florida Marlins; and Kansas City’s Joakim Soria (0-1, 2.03 ERA, 8 SV, 13.1 IP, 5 BB, 15 SO).

Red Sox IR Youkilis

BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox today placed first baseman Kevin Youkilis on the 15-day disabled list due to a right thumb adductor muscle tear and activated third baseman Mike Lowell from the 15-day DL. Lowell will be active for tonight’s game against the Cleveland Indians at Fenway Park.

The announcement was made by Executive Vice President/General Manager Theo Epstein.

Youkilis, 31, is batting .307 (111-for-362) with 19 home runs and 62 RBI in 102 games for the Red Sox this season and is tied for third in the Major Leagues with 77 runs scored. He leads all Major Leaguers this season with .798 slugging percentage against left-handed pitchers and ranks among overall American League leaders in times on base (2nd, 179), on-base percentage (3rd, .411), walks (T-5th, 58), extra-base hits (T-7th, 50), slugging percentage (8th, .564) and total bases (9th, 204).

Lowell, 36, has been on the disabled list since June 24 (retroactive to June 23) with a strained right hip. He appeared in 5 rehabilitation games with Triple-A Pawtucket and hit .500 (11-for-22) with four doubles, four home runs, five runs and 10 RBI, playing first base, third base and designated hitter. In 31 games for the Red Sox this season, Lowell has hit .213 (17-for-80) with two home runs and 12 RBI. He made his first career appearance at first base earlier this year and has appeared in six total games (four starts) at that position while also playing 10 games (10 starts) as the designated hitter and four (four starts) at third base.

Phillies IR Howard

First baseman Ryan Howard was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a moderate left ankle sprain, Senior Vice President and General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. announced today. To take his spot on the 25-man roster, the Phillies recalled outfielder John Mayberry Jr. from triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Howard, 30, was hitting .292 with 23 home runs and a National League-leading 81 RBI in 104 games for the Phillies this season. He suffered the injury while sliding back into second base in Sunday’s game against Washington at Nationals Park. Howard is the 15th different Phillie to land on the disabled list this season.

Mayberry, 26, was hitting .258 (99-for-383) with 12 home runs and 54 RBI in 99 games for Lehigh Valley this season.

Indians IR Santana and Hafner

CLEVELAND, OH-Today the Cleveland Indians announced they have placed DH TRAVIS HAFNER (right shoulder inflammation) & CA CARLOS SANTANA (left knee sprain) on the 15-day disabled list. To take Hafner and Santana’s place on the active 25-man roster, the Indians have recalled LHP DAVID HUFF and CA LOU MARSON from AAA Columbus.

Huff begins his 2nd stint with the Indians this year after going 2-9 with a 6.04 ERA (70.0IP, 88H, 53R/47ER, 30BB, 34K, .310 avg) in 13 starts thru mid-June. He began the season in the Indians starting rotation before being optioned to AAA Columbus on June 21st. At AAA Columbus he has compiled a record of 6-0 with a 3.80 ERA (42.2IP, 51H, 10R/18ER, 10BB, 32K, .295 avg) in 7 starts. He is one of just 3 Triple A pitchers with at least 6 wins since June 21st. Huff has tossed 7.0 innings in each of his last 3 starts as he has gone 3-0 with a 3.42 ERA (21.0IP, 23H, 8R/ER, 5BB, 14K) over the span. He wears #28 and will start for the Indians tonight against the Boston Red Sox at 7:05PM ET in Fenway Park.

Marson also begins his 2nd stint with the Indians this year as he has hit .191 (27-141) with 15 runs scored, 7 doubles, a HR and 12RBI in 45 games thus far in Cleveland. He began the season as the Indians every day catcher before being optioned to AAA Columbus on June 11th. Prior to being optioned, Marson threw out 14 of 40 (35.0%) of the potential base stealers, which led the American League at the time. At AAA Columbus he has hit .202 (25-124) with 19 runs scored, 7 doubles, a triple, 4HR and 14RBI in 37 games. Marson hit safely in 11 of his last 13 games for the Clippers, batting .295 (13-44) with 6 runs scored, 3 doubles, 2HR and 10RBI. He wears #30.

Hafner has not played since July 28th after suffering from right shoulder inflammation (DL transaction is retro-active to July 29). So far this year he is batting .267 (72-270) with 32 runs scored, 17 doubles, 9HR and 33RBI in 82 games with Cleveland. Over his last 8 games he has hit .449 (13-29) with 3 doubles, a HR and 4RBI. This marks Hafner’s first trip to the disabled list this year and the 5th career trip to the Major League disabled list.

Santana was injured in a 7th inning collision at home plate last night in Boston’s Fenway Park. So far this season with Cleveland he has hit .260 (39-150) with 13 doubles, 6 HR & 22 RBI in 46 games. He also drew 37 walks against just 29 strikeouts for an on-base % of .401 (.868OPS). Carlos started the year at AAA Columbus where he batted .316 (62-196) with 13HR and 51RBI in 57 games before being recalled on June 11. Today marks his first career stint on the Major League DL.

The Indians now have six players on the Major League DL (Santana, Hafner, Laffey, Reyes, Sizemore, Talbot).

A’s Claim Jeff Larish

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Oakland A’s claimed infielder Jeff Larish off waivers from the Detroit Tigers and optioned him to Triple-A Sacramento, the club announced today. To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the A’s designated infielder Adam Heether for assignment.

Larish began the season at Triple-A Toledo in the Detroit organization and was batting .275 with 15 home runs and 55 RBI in 84 games when the Tigers called on July 25. He went 2 for 10 (.200) with an RBI in three games with Detroit before he was designated for assignment last Friday. The 27-year old left-handed hitter was originally drafted by the Tigers in the fifth round of the 2005 draft and he made his Major League debut in 2008, batting .260 with two home runs and 16 RBI in 42 games. Larish is a .239 hitter with six home runs and 24 RBI in 77 games with Detroit over the past three seasons. He was the Tigers Minor League Player of the Year in 2007 after leading the Eastern League with 28 home runs and 101 RBI, and was rated as possessing the best power in the International League by Baseball America in 2008.

Heether was claimed off waivers from Milwaukee on June 3 and was hitting .232 with a home run, 13 RBI and 30 walks in 48 games with Triple-A Sacramento after batting .245 with nine home runs and 28 RBI in 50 games with Triple-A Nashville.

Mariners Recall Moore

SEATTLE, Wash. — Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik announced today that the Mariners have made the following roster moves.

• C Adam Moore recalled from AAA Tacoma
• C Rob Johnson optioned to AAA Tacoma

Moore (#10) will be available for tonight’s game against the Texas Rangers at 7:10 p.m. at Safeco Field. Johnson will be active for the Rainiers game today at 11:30 a.m. vs. Reno.

Moore, 26, has been with Tacoma since he was activated from the Major League disabled list and optioned to the minor leagues on June 25. In 36 games with the Rainiers, including 9 games during his rehab assignment, Moore hit .321 (43×134) with 8 doubles, 1 triple, 3 home runs and 15 RBI. Over his last 6 games with Tacoma, Moore hit .400 (10×25) with 2 doubles, 2 home runs and 4 RBI.

Prior to going on the disabled list with a with a sublexed left fibula, Moore was hitting .193 (11×57) with 3 doubles, 1 home run and 4 RBI in 19 games with the Mariners. He made his first Opening Day roster.

Johnson, 28, has appeared in 61 games (57 starts at catcher) for the Mariners this season. He is batting .191 (34×178) with 24 runs, 10 doubles, 2 home runs and 13 RBI.

Rockies Reactivate Helton

DENVER — The Colorado Rockies announced today that the club has reinstated infielder Todd Helton from the 15-day disabled list. Additionally, infielder Jonathan Herrera was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs to make room on the active roster for Helton. Helton (#17) will be in uniform and available for tonight’s game against San Francisco (6:40 p.m. MDT) at Coors Field.

Helton, 36, is batting .246 (61-for-248) with 10 doubles, 2 home runs, 16 RBI and 29 runs scored in 69 games for the Rockies this season. Helton was originally placed on the disabled list on July 7, with lower back stiffness. He missed a total of 22 games while on the DL, and the Rockies went 10-12 without Helton. Helton made three rehab appearances for the Rookie-Level Casper Ghosts over the weekend, hitting .500 (5-for-10) with 1 double, 5 RBI and 2 walks. The 14-year veteran had started 63 of the club’s first 83 games at first base to begin the season. Helton has moved from 44th to 40th on the Major League Baseball all-time doubles list with his 10 doubles this season. He currently ranks 5th among all active players with his 519 doubles. Helton is the Rockies’ all-time leader in several offensive categories, including: hits (2,195), doubles, home runs (327), RBI (1,218), runs scored (1,251) and games played (1,881). Helton has spent his entire professional career with Colorado since he was selected by the club in first round (eighth overall) of the 1995 June Draft.

Herrera, 25, is hitting .278 (45-162) on the season since being called up on May 31. He strung together two 10-plus game hitting streaks, including the second-longest by a Rockie this season when he had a hit in 13-straight games from June 30 through July 17. Over the 13-game hit-streak Herrera hit .396 (19-for-48) with seven runs, seven RBI, six walks and a .446 on-base percentage. In his second stint in the Majors, Herrera also hit his first career home run with a three-run homer in the 8th inning at Florida on July 19, to tie the game; the Rockies would later go on to lose. In 45 games before being called up to the Majors this season, Herrera was hitting .286 (48-168) with a home run, 11 RBI, 20 walks and a .359 on-base percentage with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox.

The Philadelphia Phillies are one of the hottest teams in Baseball. They have won eight straight games. After sleepwalking through a .500 June with a plodding, almost non-existent offense, the Phillies have swept an equally befuddling Rockies team and a poor Diamondbacks squad. While injuries continue to mount, the Phillies remain just 2.5 games out of the National League East race and are just one game off the Wild Card pace. As they continue to survive, General Manager Ruben Amaro has once again made the biggest trade deadline splash as he acquired Roy Oswalt from the Houston Astros for the relatively low cost of JA Happ, Anthony Gose, and Jonathan Villar.

The addition of Oswalt certainly makes the Phillies a better team, much like the addition of Lee did one year ago. Oswalt’s addition actually makes the 2010 team stronger than the 2009 National League champions as Oswalt, unlike Lee, doesn’t have to be the staff ace. With Roy Halladay on pace to pitch over 270 innings this season, Oswalt simply has to come in and be a number two starter.  He makes them better. Ruben Amaro has demonstrated that he is aggressive and will not hesitate to make a big name addition. It is a quality that all fans would love in their organization and General Manager.

But, there is a downside to all of this. The Phillies had Cliff Lee under contract for the 2010 season. They traded him to the Mariners for a group of prospects even though his presence would’ve made the Phillies rotation a strength. At the time, Amaro spoke about needing to restock the farm system and the need to monitor payroll. He spoke about long-term finances, which seemed to make sense after he announced the mega deal handed to Ryan Howard. Now, because of the lack of pitching that everyone seemed to know about when Lee was dealt, Amaro is forced to bolster the rotation. He gets a big name, but Roy Oswalt is not Cliff Lee. Oswalt certainly makes the Phillies better, but if the Phillies’ organization had enough foresight, they could’ve saved some money and resources. They might have also been in first place already.

Good for Now

Although one can question the decision making of the Phillies, the addition of Roy Oswalt is a great upgrade for their staff. Slotted behind Halladay, Oswalt gives the Phillies a 1-2 punch that can compete with any top of the rotation in the league. The Phillies are not getting the ace that Oswalt was six or seven years ago, but he is still a quality pitcher. He has made 30 or more starts in each of the past six seasons, but his innings pitched has decreased in each of the past four seasons. Despite pitching fewer innings, nothing else has really changed in Oswalt’s performance. He is still throwing a 93 MPH fastball.

His record is just 6-12, but that record comes with a 3.42 ERA, a 3.40 FIP, an 8.37 K/9 ratio, and a swing and miss rate (of pitches in the strike zone) of 15.9 percent. 2010 has actually been a better season for the 32 year old as his strikeout rate is up and hits per nine innings is down one and half from last season. Additionally, the Phillies are getting a pitcher who is accustomed to being the number one guy and is accustomed to performing well in the second half. For his career, Oswalt is a tougher pitcher in the second half, as he has compiled a 3.08 ERA, a 1.154 WHIP, and posts lower walk, hit, and homeruns allowed rates than he does in the first half.

With Oswalt in the rotation, the Phillies are no longer thin. Halladay still leads the staff and Oswalt pushes everyone down a spot. Cole Hamels is better suited for a number three spot than he is at the top of the rotation. Despite his incredible 2008 playoff run, Hamels is a largely inconsistent, sometimes frustrating pitcher. After a terrible 2009 season, he has rebounded with a solid season. He goes from a lower echelon number two pitcher to one of the better number three pitchers. From there, Charlie Manuel can figure out the best alignment for Joe Blanton, Kyle Kendrick, and whoever else he may want to run out there. With three quality pitchers, the burden is eased for the bullpen and if the Phillies can get into the playoffs, their top three is dangerous.

If one simply takes this trade and this season in a vacuum, the Phillies are a better team at a low cost. JA Happ had a ton of success last season for the Phillies, but with a poor strikeout rate, a substandard fastball with lackluster control, he is not a safe bet to have long-term success. At 27 years old, he is not a prospect, but he is a nice gamble for the Astros, who were quite limited in their trade options because of Oswalt’s demands. Gose and Villar are both 19-year-old prospects with interesting upside, but still a long way away. With the Astros trading Gose to Toronto for Brett Wallace, they have improved their future offense. For the Phillies, neither prospect is a tremendous loss. In terms of 2010 cost as well as future cost, the Phillies did well with the package it took to get Oswalt. The quick reaction is to say that the Phillies got the superior end of the trade, but the trade’s true winner won’t be known for another few years. But, for now, the Phillies obtained a player they desperately needed.

Good Move, But…

The trade helps to the 2010 team, but it signals that the Phillies made a mistake this past winter. Roy Oswalt is a good pitcher and he has compiled a better career than Cliff Lee. But, at present, Cliff Lee is the better pitcher. Cliff Lee gives a team the better chance to win. Lee is more durable, less hittable, and fit in during his time in Philadelphia, a notorious tough town. Oswalt, although he wanted to pitch for a contending team, seemed hesitant about actually leaving Houston. His adjustment to no longer being the face of the franchise and getting the benefit of the doubt when he pitches poorly will be paramount to determining his success. Oswalt should be fine, but Cliff Lee was fine.

In essence, the moves boil down to two questions. First, does this move make the 2010 Phillies better? (yes). And, secondly, does this make the organization stronger? The latter is difficult to answer. Perhaps the Phillies would’ve been better off keeping Cliff Lee and his $5.75 million salary without having Phillippe Aumont, Tyson Gillies, and JC Ramirez in the farm system. All three prospects are struggling in the Minor Leagues, but their final judgment cannot be determined presently. However, the early returns have not been encouraging. Lee is still one of the best pitchers in the game.

This scenario is an indictment on the Phillies organization, perhaps even one on Amaro. During the past two seasons, Phillies’ management has made some puzzling, poor decision. Amaro handed out a three-year deal to Raul Ibanez. Although Ibanez had an excellent first half of 2009, he has been largely ineffective since. He handed another three-year deal to Placido Polanco. Polanco is having a nice season, but he still getting paid for another two seasons. One cannot argue that the Phillies have been successful, but it took them far too long to call up Domonic Brown, their best offensive prospect because of the money Ibanez is making. The contract extensions handed out to Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino, and Joe Blanton can all be questioned to a certain degree.

Closing Thoughts

The decision making of the Phillies is inconsistent and in some cases shortsighted. They knew that they would be a pitcher short. Yet, they traded Cliff Lee to save $5 million. Now, they have added more payroll to an older pitcher who is not performing as well as Lee. These types of decisions are ones that impact the long-term success of teams. They have an aging core; their window of opportunity is closing. With a handful of seasons left, the correct decision has to be made. Trading Cliff Lee wasn’t the right one.

But, one has to give credit to Amaro for essentially admitting error and going to get Roy Oswalt. The rotation is improved and he didn’t pay much to get it. Now, armed with a deeper rotation and a hot club who will be getting Chase Utley and Shane Victorino back over the next month, the two-time National League Champions are closing in on the Braves. For now, that is all that matters. The impact of these poor decisions won’t be felt until later. For now, the Phillies are once again armed to be a favorite in a very mediocre National League.

Righthander Roy Oswalt was acquired by the Phillies today from the Houston Astros in exchange for lefthander J.A. Happ, outfielder Anthony Gose and shortstop Jonathan Villar, Senior Vice President & General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. announced today. The Phillies also received cash considerations.

Oswalt, 32, is 6-12 with a 3.42 ERA in 20 starts this season for Houston. The Astros averaged just 2.51 runs per game for Oswalt this season and were shut out in five of his starts. In his 12 losses this season, Houston scored 10 runs in his 76.0 innings. On July 8 against Pittsburgh, Oswalt pitched a one-hit shutout, the seventh shutout of his career.

A two-time 20-game winner (2004-05), Oswalt ranks second in Astros history in wins (143) and strikeouts (1593) and third in starts (291) and innings pitched (1932.1). Since entering the major leagues in 2001, he ranks third in wins among all major league pitchers, trailing only CC Sabathia (149) and fellow Phillie Roy Halladay (147).

In his postseason career, Oswalt is 4-0 with a 3.66 ERA in eight games (seven starts), including a no-decision in Game 3 of the 2005 World Series.

Originally selected by the Astros in the 23rd round of the 1996 draft, Oswalt has a career record of 143-82 with a 3.24 ERA in 303 games (291 starts), all with Houston.

Happ is scheduled to start for the Astros on Friday night vs. Milwaukee. In 2009, Happ, who is 1-0 this season with a 1.76 ERA (3ER/15.1IP) in three starts, was named the National League Rookie of the Year by The Sporting News and won the Players Choice Award for Outstanding N.L. Rookie after posting a 12-4 record in 35 appearances (24 starts) with a 2.93 ERA (54ER/166IP) and three complete games. He finished second in the voting for the Baseball Writers Association’s N.L. Rookie of the Year award. In 47 career Major League appearances (23 starts), Happ is 14-5 with a 3.11 ERA (75ER/217IP). In 2010, Happ was 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in two starts before being placed on the 15-day Disabled List with a strained left forearm. He was later optioned to Triple A Lehigh Valley, where he made five appearances before returning to the Phillies rotation on Sunday, July 25th, hurling 5.0 innings in a 4-3 win vs. the Colorado Rockies. Happ was originally selected by the Phillies in the third round of the June 2004 Draft.

Gose, 19, was originally selected by Philadelphia in the second round of the June 2008 Draft. He hit .263 in 103 games at Class A Clearwater this season with 17 doubles, 11 triples, four home runs and 20 RBI. Gose currently leads the Florida State League in games, at-bats, runs, (67) and triples and is tied for second in steals.

Villar, 19, hit .272 (101×371) in 100 games at Class A Lakewood this season with 18 doubles, four triples, two home runs and 38 stolen bases. He ranks third in the SAL in steals and is tied for 10th in runs scored with 61. Villar earned Phillies Minor League Player of the Week honors for April 12-18. Villar, who was born in La Vega, Dominican Republic, was signed by the Phillies as a non-drafted free agent on May 20, 2008. He has tallied 82 stolen bases in 204 career minor league games, most of which have been as a shortstop.

Victorino Placed on IR

Center fielder Shane Victorino was placed on the 15-day disabled list with an abdominal strain on his left side, Senior Vice President and General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. announced today. To take his spot on the 25-man roster, the Phillies selected the contract of outfielder Domonic Brown from triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Victorino, 29, was hitting .250 with a career-high 15 home runs and 53 RBI in 98 games for the Phillies this season. Victorino, who has a team-leading 20 stolen bases this season, suffered the injury while diving back into first base during a pick-off attempt in last night’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park.

Brown, 22, has combined to hit .327 (112-for-343) with 46 extra-base hits, including 20 home runs and 68 RBI over 93 games for double-A Reading and Lehigh Valley.

Brown will wear #9 and will be available for tonight’s game against the Diamondbacks.

Leyland Suspended

Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland has been suspended for one game and fined an undisclosed amount for his inappropriate and aggressive conduct during the bottom of the third inning of his Club’s Monday, July 26th game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. Bob Watson, Vice President of On-Field Operations for Major League Baseball, made the announcement.

Leyland will serve his suspension during Detroit’s game tonight, when the Tigers continue their series against the Rays at Tropicana Field.

Mariners Recall French; IR Rowland-Smith

CHICAGO, Ill. - Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik announced today that left-handed pitcher Luke French has been recalled from Triple-A Tacoma. French will take the roster spot of left-handed pitcher Ryan Rowland-Smith who has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain.

French is expected to be in uniform and available for tonight’s 5:10 pm (PT) game at the Chicago White Sox.

French, 24, will be in his third stint with the Mariners this season (also: June 6-18 and July 9-10). He pitched 3.0 innings, allowing just one earned run at New York July 9, his last big league game. He was optioned back to the Rainiers July 10 when Justin Smoak joined the club. For the season, French is 0-1 with a 6.39 ERA (12.2 IP, 9 ER) in four games, 1 start, with the Mariners.

French is 11-3 with a 2.94 ERA (37 ER, 113.1 IP) in 17 starts with Tacoma. He has limited opponents to a .259 batting average, while walking 23 and striking out 63. French was named to the Pacific Coast All-Star team, but could not pitch due to being recalled by Seattle. He is currently second in the PCL in ERA (2.94), and ranks tied for first in wins (11) and is second in WHIP (walks+hits per inning pitched, 1.15).

Rowland-Smith, 27, is 1-10 with a 6.96 ERA (98.1 IP, 76 ER) in 22 games, 19 starts, with the Mariners. He matched the club record, allowing 11 earned runs in 5.0 innings in his start last night in Chicago. For the year, he has allowed 40 walks while striking out 39 and 129 hits, including 23 home runs.

MLB Disciplines Dodgers

Three members of the Los Angeles Dodgers have been disciplined as a result of incidents that occurred in the club’s game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. Bob Watson, Vice President of On-Field Operations for Major League Baseball, made the announcement.

Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw has received a five-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for intentionally throwing at San Francisco’s Aaron Rowand in the top of the seventh inning. Kershaw has chosen to file an appeal; thus, his suspension will be held in abeyance until the process is complete.

Dodgers manager Joe Torre has received a one-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for the intentional actions of Kershaw after a warning had been issued during the bottom of the fifth inning. Torre is scheduled to serve his suspension tonight, when the Dodgers are to conclude their series with the Giants.

Dodgers bench coach Bob Schaefer has received a one-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for his inappropriate actions, which included coming on to the field, during the bottom of the sixth inning. Schaefer is scheduled to serve his suspension on Thursday, when the Dodgers are to host the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium.

Orioles Recall and Option Patton; Reactivate Gonzalez

The Orioles announced a series of roster moves prior to today’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays. LHP MICHAEL GONZALEZ has been reinstated from the 60-day disabled list, LHP TROY PATTON has been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk and INF JOSH BELL has been optioned to the Tides. In addition, to make room for Gonzalez on the 40-man roster, RHP JIM JOHNSON has been transferred from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list.

Gonzalez was placed on the disabled list on April 10 with a strained left shoulder. At the time of his injury, Gonzalez had recorded one save in three appearances.

Patton was 6-9 with a 4.91 ERA (99.0IP, 54ER) in 18 starts for the Tides this season. He posted a 3.44 ERA (52.1IP, 20ER) over his last nine outings for Norfolk. This will be Patton’s first appearance in the major leagues since 2007. He will wear uniform #54.

Bell batted .263 (6-19) in six games for the Orioles.

Johnson has been on the disabled list since May 28 with right elbow inflammation. He was 1-1 with one save and a 6.52 ERA (9.2IP, 7ER) in 10 games for the Orioles.

After today’s game that they have optioned LHP TROY PATTON to Triple-A Norfolk.

Patton was recalled before today’s game against Tampa Bay but did not pitch. He is 6-9 with a 4.91 ERA (99.0IP, 54ER) in 18 starts for the Tides this season.

A corresponding roster move will be announced prior to tomorrow’s game against Minnesota.

Red Sox Reactivate Buchholz and Lowrie

The Boston Red Sox today activated right-handed pitcher Clay Buchholz from the 15-day disabled list and infielder Jed Lowrie from the 60-day disabled list. The club also optioned left-handed pitcher Dustin Richardson to Triple-A Pawtucket following last night’s game and today designated first baseman Ryan Shealy for assignment. Buchholz is slated to start today’s game in Oakland and Lowrie is in the lineup at shortstop. With today’s move, the Red Sox 40-man roster is now at 38.

Additionally, right-handed pitcher Fernando Cabrera, who was designated for assignment on July 17, today cleared waivers and was outrighted to Pawtucket.

The announcements were made by Executive Vice President/General Manager Theo Epstein.

Buchholz, 25, has been on the disabled list since July 5 (retroactive to June 27) with a left hamstring strain. He made one rehabilitation start with Triple-A Pawtucket on July 16, allowing two runs over 3.2 innings. Named to his first All-Star team in 2010, Buchholz has gone 10-4 with a 2.45 ERA (25 ER/92.0 IP) and 64 strikeouts in 15 starts for the Red Sox.

Lowrie, 26, began the season on the 15-day disabled list with mononucleosis and was transferred to the 60-day DL on April 14. He played in 10 rehab games between Short-A Lowell and Pawtucket, batting .367 (11-for-30) with four doubles, a home run, nine RBI, five runs, six walks and a stolen base, making appearances at second base, third base, shortstop and designated hitter. In 113 Major League games over parts of two seasons with the Red Sox (2008-09), Lowrie has compiled a .235 average (77-for-328) with 27 doubles, three triples, four home runs, 57 RBI and 39 runs scored.

The 26-year-old Richardson has posted a 2.57 ERA (2 ER/7.0 IP) in 13 relief appearances with Boston since he was recalled on June 12. In 22 relief outings with the PawSox this season, he has gone 2-0 with one save, a 2.78 ERA (10 ER/32.1 IP) and 42 strikeouts.

Shealy, 30, was selected to Boston’s Major League roster on July 7 and is hitless in seven at-bats over five games with the Red Sox, making one appearance at first base. Signed by Boston to a minor league contract on June 17, he has hit .240 (56-for-233) with 12 home runs and 46 RBI in 66 combined Triple-A games between Pawtucket and Tampa Bay’s Durham affiliate this season.

Tigers Recall Sizemore

The Tigers today announced the club has recalled the contract of infielder Scott Sizemore from Triple A Toledo.

Additionally, the club today optioned the contract of righthanded pitcher Casey Fien to Toledo.

Sizemore hit .329 (55×167) with 32 runs scored, 13 doubles, six home runs and 19 RBI in 41 games with the Mud Hens.

Twins Reactivate Casilla

The Minnesota Twins announced after today’s game that they will return infielder Alexi Casilla from his rehab assignment and reinstate him from the 15-day disabled list prior to Thursday night’s game at Baltimore. Casilla was placed on the disabled list June 1, with bone chips in his right elbow. He had surgery to remove the bone chips on June 4. Casilla played in 14 rehab games (five with GCL Twins, three with Ft. Myers and two with New Britain), batting .239 (11-for-46) with one double and one rbi.

To make room for Casilla on the 25-man roster, the Twins have optioned right-handed pitcher Jeff Manship to Triple-A Rochester.

Astros Claim Figueroa and Hernandez

CHICAGO — The Houston Astros announced today that the club has claimed right-handed pitcher Nelson Figueroa and infielder Anderson Hernandez off of waivers. Figueroa and Hernandez will join the Major League club in Houston on Friday.

To make room for Figueroa and Hernandez on the 40-man roster, the club has designated right-handed pitcher Gary Majewski and Minor League left-handed pitcher Polin Trinidad for assignment. With the addition of these two Major League players, the Astros needed to make another move to clear a spot on their active roster, and did so by optioning infielder Oswaldo Navarro to Triple-A Round Rock.

The announcement was made by Astros General Manager Ed Wade.

Figueroa, 36, was claimed from Philadelphia, who had designated him for assignment on July 15. He made 13 appearances, one start, for the Phillies, posting a 2-1 record with one save and a 3.46 ERA (10ER/26IP). He’s spent most of this season in the Phillies’ bullpen, but did make three starts for their Triple-A affiliate in Lehigh Valley, going 3-0 with a 0.95 ERA (2ER/19IP). Figueroa is a veteran of eight Major League seasons, making stops with Arizona (2000), Philadelphia (’01, ’10), Milwaukee (’02), Pittsburgh (’03-04) and New York-NL (’08-’09).

Hernandez, 27, was claimed from Cleveland after being designated for assignment on July 18. He hit .246 (15-for-61) with two RBIs in 22 games for the Indians this season. With Triple-A Columbus, Hernandez hit .234 (40-for-171) with a homer and 17 RBIs in 47 games in 2010. Hernandez has played in parts of six Major League seasons with New York-NL (2005-’07, ’09), Washington (’08-’09) and Cleveland (2010) and owns a career .245 average (146-for-595) in 208 MLB games.

Majewski, 30, made two appearances for the Astros since having his contract purchased from Triple-A Round Rock on Monday. He allowed five earned runs in 2.0 innings. The Astros have 10 days to either trade, release or assign outright his contract.

Trinidad, 25, has spent his entire 2010 campaign with Round Rock, posting a 3-6 record and a 4.55 ERA (49ER/97IP) in 19 games, 16 starts. He’s been in the Astros organization since 2002 and was added to the Astros 40-man roster prior to the 2009 season. The Astros also have 10 days to either trade, release or assign outright his contract.

Navarro, 25, hit .050 (1-for-20) in 14 games over two stints with Houston this season. This will be his third trip to Round Rock this season, where he’s posted a .298 (48-for-161) average with four homers and 26 RBIs. The Astros acquired Navarro this offseason, signing him to a Minor League deal on Dec. 8, 2009.

The Astros 40-man roster remains full at 40.

Phillies Call up Worley

Righthander Vance Worley had his contract selected from double-A Reading, Senior Vice President and General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. announced today.

Worley, 22, was 9-4 with a 3.20 ERA in 19 starts for Reading this season. He has pitched 17.0 consecutive scoreless innings over his last two outings, which included his first professional shutout, a three-hitter on July 9 against Harrisburg. Worley was named the Phillies’ Minor League Pitcher of the Week today.

To make room for Worley on the 25-man roster, righthander Andrew Carpenter was optioned to triple-A Lehigh Valley. Carpenter, 25, who was recalled for the second time this season yesterday, made his only appearance of the season for the Phillies last night at St. Louis.

Worley will wear #49.

Padres IR Eckstein

The San Diego Padres announced today that they have placed infielder David Eckstein on the 15-day disabled list with a right calf strain and have reinstated outfielder Will Venable from the disabled list. Executive Vice President/General Manager Jed Hoyer made the announcement.

Eckstein, 35, is on the disabled list for the first time this season and second in his tenure with the Padres. He previously spent time on the disabled list from July 6-28, 2009 with a strained right hamstring. In 78 games this season he has hit .279 (86-for-308) with a home run, 20 doubles, 22 RBI, 31 runs scored, six stolen bases, 16 walks and 15 strikeouts. The 10-year veteran is also the only infielder in the Majors this season with at least 70 games started to have not committed an error. San Diego has gone 41-30 in his 71 starts this year.

Venable, 27, was placed on the disabled list on July 3 (retroactive to July 2) with a lower back strain and missed a total of 13 games. In seven rehab starts between Single-A Lake Elsinore and Double-A San Antonio, five in right field and two as the designated hitter, he hit .150 (3-for-20) with a double, an RBI, six walks, three stolen bases and 10 strikeouts. In 69 games for San Diego this year he has hit .238 (51-for-214) with six doubles, four triples, eight home runs, 32 RBI and 35 runs scored. He has also reached base in 45 of his 54 starts and ranks second on the team with a career-high 14 stolen bases.

Orioles Option Tillman

The Orioles today announced that they have optioned RHP Chris Tillman to Triple-A Norfolk.

Tillman, 22, is 1-4 with a 7.92 ERA (25.0IP, 22ER) in six starts with the Orioles this season. He made two starts after being recalled for the second time this season on July 10, going 1-1 with a 7.20 ERA (10.0IP, 8ER), including a victory in which he pitched a career-high 7.1 innings on July 10 at Texas.

A corresponding roster move will be announced prior to tomorrow’s game against Tampa Bay.

Indians Reactivate Cabrera

CLEVELAND, OH - The Cleveland Indians today announced the club has activated INF ASDRUBAL CABRERA from the 60-day disabled list. To allow room on the 25-man Major League roster the Indians have designated RHP JENSEN LEWIS for assignment.

Cabrera has been on the disabled list since fracturing his left forearm on May 17 at Tampa Bay in an infield collision with 3B Jhonny Peralta. He began a rehab assignment on July 12 and in 6 games between Rookie Mahoning Valley and AA Akron he went a combined 7-for-20 (.350) with 4RS, 3 2B, 1HR & 3RBI, including a pair of hits and a home run last night for AA Akron against Altoona. So far this year with Cleveland, Asdrubal is hitting .287 (39-136) with 6 2B, 1 3B, 1HR & 7RBI in 33 games.

Lewis has gone 2-2 w/a 4.18 ERA in 22 relief appearances for Cleveland this year (23.2IP, 23H, 11ER, 14BB, 16K).

The Indians now have four (4) players on the Major League DL (Sizemore, Choo, Reyes, Wood).

Tigers IR Inge

The Tigers today have placed third baseman Brandon Inge on the 15-day disabled list with a non-displaced fracture of the fifth metacarpal in his left hand.

Additionally, the club today recalled the contract of righthanded pitcher Casey Fien from Triple A Toledo.

Fien has appeared in 31 games with Toledo, posting a 1-1 record, 2.33 ERA (46.1IP/12ER), four saves and 31 strikeouts.

Twins Option Burnett

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN — The Minnesota Twins announced after tonight’s game that they have optioned right-handed pitcher Alex Burnett to Triple-A Rochester.

To replace Burnett on the 25-man roster, the Twins will select the contract of right-handed pitcher Anthony Slama from Triple-A Rochester in time for tomorrow night’s game vs. the Cleveland Indians. In 43 appearances with the Red Wings this season, Slama was 0-1, 1.71 (52.2 ip, 10 er) with 23 walks and 33 strikeouts, and an opponents’ batting-average-against of .164 (30-for-183). Slama will wear uniform number 39.

To make room for Slama on the 40-man roster, the Twins will transfer right-handed pitcher Clay Condrey from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list.

A’s Reactivate Braden

OAKLAND — The Oakland A’s reinstated left-handed pitcher Dallas Braden from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday and optioned left-handed pitcher Cedrick Bowers to Triple-A Sacramento.

Braden was 4-7 with a 3.83 ERA in 15 starts when he was placed on the disabled list July 3 retroactive to June 23 with left elbow tendinitis.

He tossed the 19th perfect game in Major League history on May 9 against Tampa Bay but is 0-5 with a 4.31 ERA in eight starts since.

Braden made one rehab start for Single-A Stockton last Thursday and had a no-decision in the Ports’ 10-9 win over Visalia. In four innings, he allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out four.

Bowers was 0-1 with a 4.85 ERA and held opponents to a .231 batting average in 13 relief appearances over two stints with Oakland. He pitched just once during his first stay with the A’s from May 16-28 and had a 4.50 ERA in 12 outings during his second stint that began on June 4.

Bowers had pitched just five times over the A’s last 21 games.

Rangers IR Nippert

DETROIT — The Texas Rangers announced Tuesday that the club has placed right-handed pitcher Dustin Nippert on the 15-day disabled list with a head contusion. The club has recalled right-handed pitcher Doug Mathis from Triple-A Oklahoma City to take Nippert’s place on the 25-man roster.

Mathis will be in uniform and available for Tuesday night’s game in Detroit. Nippert, 29, has gone 3-4 with a 5.36 ERA (25 earned runs, 42 innings) in 28 games (two starts) for the Rangers this season.

A member of the Opening Day roster, he made each of his first 22 appearances in relief before a pair of spot starts on June 17 and 23.

Nippert faced a pair of batters in Monday night’s 14-inning, 8-6 victory over the Tigers but exited after taking a line drive off the right side of his head in the fifth inning.

As a precautionary measure, he was taken to Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit during the game for further examination, and results of a CT scan revealed no serious damage.

Mathis, 27, has made 10 relief appearances for Texas this season, going 1-1 with a 6.98 ERA (15 earned runs, 19.1 innings).

Mathis will be in his third stint with the big league club, as he was also with the Rangers from Opening Day to May 14 and again from July 6-9.

Mathis has spent the remainder of the 2010 campaign at Oklahoma City, going 4-4 with a 4.68 ERA (31 earned runs, 59.2 innings) in 11 games, including 3-4, 5.09 (30 earned runs, 53 innings) in nine starts.

Originally scheduled to start Tuesday in the RedHawks’ doubleheader at Iowa, Mathis last pitched on Friday vs. Iowa, throwing 37 pitches over 3 1/3 scoreless relief innings.

With these moves, the Rangers still have a full 40-man roster.

Cubs Recall Stevens

CHICAGO - The Chicago Cubs today recalled right-handed pitcher Jeff Stevens from Triple-A Iowa and optioned right-handed pitcher Mitch Atkins to Iowa.

Stevens, 26, begins his third stint with the Cubs this season, having recorded a 5.71 ERA (11 ER/17.1 IP) with no record in 17 relief appearances from May 19-June 26 and June 29-July 5. He recorded a 2.76 ERA (5 ER/16.1 IP) and held opponents to a .226 batting average (14-for-62) in his first 15 big league outings before allowing six earned runs in his final two outings, July 2 and July 4 vs. Cincinnati.

With Triple-A Iowa this season, Stevens has a 3.18 ERA (8 ER/22.2 IP) with a 0-1 record in 16 relief appearances. He has allowed just one home run in 22.2 innings of work, walking 15 while striking out 26. Stevens has held opponents to a .200 batting average (16-for-80), including a .139 mark (5-for-36) against right-handed batters. His most recent appearance came July 17 at Oklahoma City (2.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 SO).

Atkins, 24, has no record and a 6.43 ERA (5 ER/7.0 IP) in three relief outings for Chicago since he was recalled July 7. With Iowa this season, Atkins is 5-2 with one save and a 3.60 ERA (28 ER/70.0 IP) in 18 games (10 starts).

Phillies Recall Carpenter; Option Kendrick

Righthander Andrew Carpenter was recalled from triple-A Lehigh Valley, Senior Vice President and General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. announced today.

Carpenter, 25, was 7-6 with a 3.41 ERA in 18 starts for Lehigh Valley this season. For his major league career, he is 1-0 with a 9.45 ERA in four games (1 start) for the Phillies between the 2008 and 2009 seasons. This is the second recall of the season for Carpenter who was also recalled on April 3. He did not appear in any games before being optioned back to Lehigh Valley on April 8.

To make room for Carpenter on the 25-man roster, righthander Kyle Kendrick was optioned to Lehigh Valley. Kendrick, 25, was 5-4 with a 4.82 ERA in 20 games (18 starts) for the Phillies this season.

Nationals Recall Atilano

The Washington Nationals today recalled right-handed pitcher Luis Atilano from Syracuse of the Triple-A International League. Nationals Senior Vice President & General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Atilano, 25, returns to the Nationals after a brief stint with Syracuse, during which he made one start. Atilano took the loss on Thursday, July 15 vs. Pawtucket, allowing five runs in 2.1 innings.

Atilano, who gets the starting nod tonight at Cincinnati, is 6-6 with a 4.85 ERA in 15 starts for the Nationals this season. His six wins are tied for third among NL rookies and trail only the Cardinals’ Jamie Garcia (eight) and the Mets’ Hisanori Takahashi (seven).

Molina Wins AL Honors

Texas Rangers catcher Bengie Molina, who will celebrate his 36th birthday on Tuesday, has been named Bank of America Presents the American League Player of the Week for the period ending July 18th. Bank of America, the Official Bank of Major League Baseball, is the presenting sponsor of the American League and National League Player of the Week Awards, which reflect Bank of America’s long-standing tradition of promoting and recognizing higher standards of accomplishment.

Molina, who was traded from the San Francisco Giants to the Rangers on July 1st, hit .417 with two home runs and six RBI in his three contests at Fenway Park after the 81st All-Star Game, slugging at a 1.167 clip. On Friday night, the Puerto Rico native went 4-for-4 en route to becoming the first backstop to hit for the cycle since Milwaukee’s Chad Moeller accomplished the feat on April 27, 2004. Molina’s historic night included a fifth inning grand slam as a part of his cycle, the key blow in an 8-4 win for the A.L. West-leading Rangers. The 13-year veteran is just the eighth player since 1900 to have a grand slam as a part of a cycle, and the eldest of Major League Baseball’s three Molina brothers behind the plate became just the fifth player in Rangers history to hit for the cycle. Molina’s prolific series helped Texas take three of four from the Boston Red Sox.

Other noteworthy performances by position players included Molina’s teammate Nelson Cruz (.529, 6 RBI); second baseman Gordon Beckham (.643, 1 HR, 5 RBI) of the Chicago White Sox; Tampa Bay Rays teammates Reid Brignac (.500, 2 HR, 5 RBI) and Carlos Peña (.462, 2 HR, 6 RBI); shortstop Yunel Escobar (.462, 1 HR, 5 RBI), who excelled in his first week as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays; Oakland Athletics third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff (.385, 1 HR, 7 RBI); and Seattle Mariners first baseman Justin Smoak (.333, 2 HR, 4 RBI). Pitchers who received consideration were Rangers hurler C.J. Wilson (1-0, 6.2 IP, 10 SO) and Rick Porcello (8.0 IP, 1 ER, 6 SO) of the Detroit Tigers.

Howard Wins NL Award

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard has been named Bank of America Presents the National League Player of the Week for the period of July 12-18, 2010. Bank of America, the Official Bank of Major League Baseball, is the presenting sponsor of the National League and American League Player of the Week Awards, which reflect Bank of America’s long-standing tradition of promoting and recognizing higher standards of accomplishment.

Howard hit .400 (6-for-15) in four games last week while clubbing a Major League-best four home runs. The lefty slugger also led the Majors with eight RBI and 18 total bases while his 1.200 slugging percentage was tied for first. After taking part in his third All-Star Game as the starting designated hitter for the National League earlier in the week, the Missouri native began the second half with a 3-for-5, four-RBI, two-home run performance on July 15th at Chicago. The following day, Howard went deep again, marking his sixth straight season with at least 20 home runs. On Sunday afternoon, the 30-year-old closed out the four-game set against the Cubs with another home run, his sixth in his last nine games. With the home run, Howard tied Hall of Famer Chuck Klein for fourth place on the Phillies’ all-time list with 243 career home runs. Howard collected hits in all four games this past week and had three multi-RBI contests. His 73 RBI on the season is tops among all National Leaguers. This is his sixth career weekly award and his first since the week of August 24-30, 2009.

Other nominees this past week included Starlin Castro (.600, 9 H, 2 SB), Marlon Byrd (.400, HR, 6 R), Geovany Soto (.308, 2 HR, 5 RBI) and Randy Wells (0.00, 7.0 IP, 5 SO) of the Chicago Cubs; Pittsburgh’s Ronny Cedeño (.545, 6 H, SB) and Paul Maholm (1-0, 0.00, CG); Atlanta’s Matt Diaz (.417, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 1.083 SLG) and Ted Williams All-Star Game MVP presented by Chevrolet Brian McCann (.385, HR, 6 RBI, 5 H); San Diego’s Adrian Gonzalez (.333, 2 HR, 4 RBI) and Heath Bell (2.0 IP, 2 SV, 2 SO); Cincinnati’s Drew Stubbs (.500, 2 HR, 5 H, 1.200 SLG); San Francisco’s Tim Lincecum (1-0, 0.00, CG, 5 SO) and Barry Zito (1-0, 0.00, 8.0 IP, 10 SO); Florida’s Leo Nuñez (0.00, 2 SV, 4 SO); and Washington’s Stephen Strasburg (1-0, 0.00, 6.0 IP, 7 SO).

Red Sox Reactivate Delcarmen

BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox today activated right-handed pitcher Manny Delcarmen from the 15-day disabled list, recalled catcher Dusty Brown from Triple-A Pawtucket, designated right-handed pitcher Fernando Cabrera for assignment and optioned left-handed pitcher Felix Doubront to Pawtucket. Delcarmen and Brown will be active for tonight’s game against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park. Brown will wear No. 68.

The announcements were made by executive vice president/general manager Theo Epstein.

Delcarmen, 28, was placed on the disabled list on July 2 (retroactive to July 1) with a right forearm strain. He made one rehabilitation start for Double-A Portland on Thursday night at Minnesota’s New Britain affiliate, tossing 1.0 perfect inning. In 33 relief appearances with the Red Sox this season, Delcarmen has gone 2-2 with a 4.59 ERA (17 ER/33.1 IP), 23 strikeouts and 20 walks, and has held opponents to a .220 average (27-for-123).

The 28-year-old Brown will be in his first stint with the Red Sox this season. Selected by Boston in the 35th round of the 2000 First-Year Player Draft, he made his Major League debut with the club last season and was 1-for-3 with a home run and a walk in six games behind the plate over two stints with the Red Sox. He also pitched 1.0 inning against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sept. 30, the first catcher in franchise history to appear on the mound. Brown has hit .225 (38-for-169) with 14 doubles, five home runs, 24 RBIs, 25 runs and 24 walks in 52 games with the PawSox this season, appearing in 48 games behind the plate. He missed time on the disabled list due to a left thumb sprain and hit .500 (5-for-10) with a double, home run, RBI and run in three rehab games between Class A Lowell and the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Red Sox.

Cabrera, 28, was selected to the active Major League roster last night and allowed three runs over 1 1/3 frames against the Rangers. In 33 relief appearances with Pawtucket this year, he has gone 0-3 with 13 saves, a 3.50 ERA (14 ER/36.0 IP) and 50 strikeouts, leading the Red Sox farm system in saves.

Doubront, 22, has made two starts since he was recalled for his second stint with the Red Sox on July 5, going 0-2 with a 3.48 ERA (4 ER/10.1 IP). The left-hander was originally recalled to Boston on June 18 and won his big league debut that night against the Dodgers, allowing five runs (three earned) over 5.0 innings. He was optioned to Pawtucket the next day. In 14 Minor League starts this season between Pawtucket and Double-A Portland, Doubront has combined for a 7-2 record with a 2.45 ERA (19 ER/69.2 IP) and 62 strikeouts.

Indians IR Wood

CLEVELAND, OH – The Cleveland Indians announced today the club has placed RHP KERRY WOOD on the 15-day disabled list with a blister on his right index finger, retroactive to July 12. To assume Wood’s spot on the roster the Indians recalled RHP JENSEN LEWIS from AAA Columbus.

Lewis begins his 3rd stint with the Indians this year, going 2-2 w/a 3.86 ERA in 20 relief appearances (21.0IP, 21H, 9ER, 13BB, 14K, .259Avg against) with the Indians from April 5-May 6 and again from May 30-June 23. At AAA Columbus he has compiled a record of 2-0 w/a save and a 2.30 ERA in 12 outings (15.2IP, 14H, 4R/ER, 5BB, 18K), limiting Triple A hitters to a .241 (14-58) average against. He has allowed a run in just 2 of his 12 appearances and has limited right-handed hitters to a .138 (4-29) average against. He wears #50 and will be in uniform today vs. Detroit.

Wood last pitched on July 11 in Tampa Bay and thus far has gone 1-4 w/a 6.30 ERA and 8 saves in 23 relief appearances (20.0IP, 21H, 14ER, 11BB, 18K) with Cleveland. It is his second DL stint of the season after beginning the year on the disabled list with a strained right lat muscle. Over his last 6 outings since June 27 he has allowed just 1 run in 5.1IP (1.72ERA, 5.1IP, 4H, 1R/ER, 7K).

The Indians now have 5 players on the Major League disabled list (Reyes, Sizemore, Cabrera, Choo, Wood).

Tigers Recall Porcello

The Tigers today optioned the contract of lefthanded pitcher Daniel Schlereth to Triple A Toledo following this afternoon’s game in Cleveland. Additionally, the club has recalled the contract of righthanded pitcher Rick Porcello from Toledo and he will start tonight’s game at Cleveland.

Sweeney on Rehab Assignment for Mariners

Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik announced the following roster move:

• DH Mike Sweeney sent on rehab assignment to AAA Tacoma.

Sweeney, 36, was placed on the 15-day disabled list on June 27 (retro to June 26) with back spasms. He has played in 30 games with the Mariners this season and is hitting .263 (26-for-99) with 3 doubles, 6 home runs and 18 RBI. In 16 games in May, he hit .310 (18-for-58) with 2 doubles and all 6 homers. He has been limited to 5 games in June by back issues. He was also on the 15-day DL June 7 (retroactive to June 3)-June 17 with lower back inflammation.

Phillies Reactivate Polanco

Infielder Placido Polanco has been reinstated from the 15-day disabled list, Senior Vice President & General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. announced today. To make room on the Phillies’ 25-man roster, infielder Juan Castro was given his unconditional release.

Polanco, 34, was originally placed on the DL on June 29 (retroactive to June 26) with left elbow inflammation. He hit .571 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored in two rehab appearances between single-A Clearwater and the Gulf Coast League Phillies earlier this week. In 62 games with the Phillies this season, Polanco is batting .318 with 15 doubles, five home runs, 27 RBI and 39 runs scored.

Castro, 38, hit .198 with 13 RBI in 54 games this year for Philadelphia.