Briefs: Strasburg first felt tightness 'couple days ago'
CBSSports.com wire reports
WASHINGTON -- Nationals rookie right-hander Stephen Strasburg first sensed tightness in his pitching shoulder "a couple days ago," he said Wednesday, chalking it up to "kind of hitting the wall a little bit."
A day after being scratched minutes before what was supposed to be the 10th major league start of his much-hyped career, Strasburg said he felt "a lot better" and his range of motion is "starting to come back."
Washington general manager Mike Rizzo and trainer Lee Kuntz said Strasburg did not indicate he had a problem before Tuesday, when his pregame bullpen session was stopped about a half-dozen throws in.
"I wasn't really scared, because it's kind of something that I've had happen to me before," Strasburg said, referring to feeling stiffness in his right shoulder while in college at San Diego State. "It wasn't on just one pitch, so that's obviously a big thing."
He took anti-inflammatory medicine Wednesday and underwent treatment that Kuntz said included "stretching, strengthening ... using heat, using ice." But the No. 1 overall pick in the June 2009 amateur draft did not toss a ball. Instead, during batting practice, Strasburg stood in the right-field grass, chatting with pitching coach Steve McCatty.
The plan is for Strasburg to go at least two days -- and perhaps three or four -- without throwing at all. It's not clear when he will next pitch in a game; his next scheduled appearance would be Sunday.
"We don't have an update whether he's going to pitch Sunday or when he'll pitch again, if not Sunday," manager Jim Riggleman said. "We're just really going to give it another day or two before we do anything. Full story
Haren says he'll start Saturday
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Newly acquired Angels pitcher Dan Haren expects to make his next start as scheduled despite a bruised forearm.
The three-time All-Star plans to make his second start for Los Angeles on Saturday against the AL West-leading Texas Rangers. The right-hander was acquired Sunday in a trade that sent lefty Joe Saunders and three minor league prospects to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
He was drilled on his pitching arm by a line drive off the bat of Boston's Kevin Youkilis in the fifth inning of his Angels debut on Monday night. X-rays were negative.
"As of now, barring any setbacks, I should be good to go," Haren said. "It's obviously still bruised and a little tight, but I don't see it being a problem. I'm staying on top of it and getting treatment before, during and after the games. And I'm doing my best to be out there. My arm feels great. I only threw 62 pitches Monday, so I feel real fresh, so I'll have plenty in the tank on Saturday."
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Los Angeles Angels right-hander Joel Pineiro will miss six to eight weeks after straining a muscle in his left side while warming up for a start against the Boston Red Sox.
Pineiro hurt an oblique muscle while throwing in the bullpen. He underwent an MRI exam and the Angels announced he'll be out for well over a month.
The injury further hampers the Angels' attempts to get back in contention for their sixth AL West title in the past seven seasons. Los Angeles had lost six of seven heading into Wednesday.
Pineiro has been a dependable starter in his first season with Los Angeles, going 10-7 with a 4.18 ERA. He had won seven straight decisions before losing his most recent start in New York last week.
Indians trade 3B Peralta to Tigers
CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Indians have traded third baseman Jhonny Peralta to the Detroit Tigers for minor league left-hander Giovanni Soto.
Peralta was in the lineup for Cleveland's game against the New York Yankees, but was pulled at about 6 p.m. He's batting .246 with seven homers and 43 RBI in 91 games.
Peralta will likely fill-in for Brandon Inge, the Tigers' injured third baseman.
The 28-year-old Peralta is in the final season of a five-year, $13 million contract, which includes an $11 million option for 2001. He's making $4.6 million this season.
Giants' Wilson fined for orange cleats
SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco Giants closer Brian Wilson has been fined by major league baseball for wearing orange cleats during Tuesday's 6-4 win over the Florida Marlins.
The shoes, a gift from Nike and presented to Wilson at the All-Star game, apparently violated the league's dress code. It was the first time Wilson has worn them in a regular-season game.
"They all have to have the majority of your team's color on the shoe you wear," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "I was aware of it. It's going to be up to me to make sure these guys stay in uniform. I agree with it. We'll make sure his shoes are acceptable."
Baseball rules require all players on a team to wear uniforms that conform to his teammates.
Padres LF Blanks needs reconstructive elbow surgery
SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Padres say left fielder Kyle Blanks will have reconstructive surgery on his right elbow, which could sideline him into next season.
Surgery is scheduled for Friday.
Blanks was placed on the disabled list May 20, retroactive to May 18, with a strained elbow. He was the opening day starter and was hitting .157 before the injury.
Marlins minor leaguer Jennings suspended 50 games
NEW YORK -- Florida Marlins minor league pitcher Daniel Jennings has been suspended 50 games for a positive drug test.
Jennings plays for Double-A Jacksonville. He was penalized Wednesday under the minor league drug program. He tested positive for the performance-enhancing substance Methylhexaneamine.
There have been 61 suspensions this year under the minor league program. Cincinnati pitcher Edinson Volquez was suspended under the major league program.
