DETROIT -- As first reported by CBSSports.com Senior Writer Scott Miller, Jacque Jones was cut Monday by the Detroit Tigers, who had promised a lineup shakeup going into a homestand against the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.
Detroit designated Jones for assignment and has 10 days to trade the outfielder, put him on unconditional release waivers or send him outright to the minors.
Jones hit just .165 with a homer and five RBI in 24 games for the Tigers, who acquired him during a busy offseason from the Chicago Cubs. He is in the final season of the three-year deal he signed with the Cubs for $16 million.
"Jacque Jones is not the reason we're four games under .500," manager Jim Leyland said. "Had he gotten off to a bad start? Yes, he had. It was totally unfair. He's been a class act the whole time."
To take Jones' spot, Detroit purchased the contract of outfielder Matt Joyce from Toledo. He hit .299 with five homers and 21 RBI in 28 games for the Triple-A club.
Joyce was in right field for Monday night's game against the Red Sox and batting seventh.
Tigers regular designated hitter Gary Sheffield took over for Jones in left field and was inserted into the sixth spot. Sheffield had been hitting third. He is also off to a slow start, batting .185 with two home runs and five RBI in 23 games. Full story
Rollins goes 4-for-4 in minor league rehab game
TAMPA, Fla. -- Injured Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins went 4-for-4 with two RBI in an extended spring training game.
The reigning National League MVP is on the 15-day disabled list for the first time in his eight-year career because of a sprained left ankle. He hurt the ankle on April 8 running the bases against the New York Mets, but didn't go on the DL for nearly two more weeks.
"It was fine," Rollins said. "Running around the bases for the first time, it felt good. Second time, I felt a little twinge, but I was still able to kick it in coming around to score, and I was fine."
Rollins is scheduled to play in another extended spring game Tuesday. He hopes to rejoin the Phillies on Thursday or Friday.
Diamondbacks' Davis plans to return soon
PHOENIX -- Only 26 days after surgery for thyroid cancer, Arizona left-hander Doug Davis felt strong during a 65-pitch simulated game.
"I could have gone out there for a couple more innings at least," said Davis, who had his thyroid and surrounding tissue removed April 10. "I really felt like I was in the shape I need to be in to compete."
The 32-year-old Davis is scheduled to pitch for Triple-A Tucson on Saturday or Sunday and will make one more start in the minors before rejoining the Diamondbacks' rotation, probably during a May 20-22 series at Florida.
Davis, who is taking thyroid medication, will have a CT scan Friday to determine whether any cancerous cells remain.
Jays closer cleared to work on consecutive days
TORONTO -- Less than one year after he had Tommy John ligament replacement surgery on his left elbow, B.J. Ryan has been cleared to pitch in consecutive games for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Ryan had season-ending surgery last May 10 and started this season on the disabled list. He was activated April 13 and has four saves in seven scoreless appearances since returning. The left-hander has struck out 10, walked three and allowed six hits in seven innings.
Ryan got the go-ahead after a consultation with Dr. Timothy Kremchek, who operated on his elbow last spring. Toronto will remain cautious with Ryan, who is in the third season of a five-year, $47-million deal.
"We feel he's ready to go, the Doc says he's ready to go," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said Monday. "We'll watch him to make sure he's OK."
Gibbons said Ryan will not make any multi-inning appearances for the remainder of the season.
Braves acquire Norton from Mariners
ATLANTA -- The Braves acquired first baseman-outfielder Greg Norton from the Seattle Mariners, giving their bench a boost after placing infielder Martin Prado on the 15-day disabled list.
The Mariners, who designated Norton for assignment on April 30, will receive a player to be named or cash considerations from the Braves.
Norton was 7-for-16 (.435) in six games for Seattle this season. He also played seven games for Triple-A Tacoma, hitting .409.
Rockies' Wells to have surgery for blood clot
DENVER -- Colorado Rockies right-hander Kip Wells will have surgery Tuesday for a blood clot in his right hand.
The Rockies said Monday the operation will be performed by Dr. Robert Thompson at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.
The 31-year-old Wells had a blocked artery in his right arm in 2006, which had to be replaced by a vein taken from Wells' leg. That surgery also was performed by Thompson.
"They're going to take a look at where the clots are coming from," Rockies trainer Keith Dugger said. "More than likely, the clots are coming from the shoulder."
The 35-year-old Norton played with Tampa Bay in 2006 and '07. He hit .243 in 202 at-bats last season.
