News briefs: F. McCourt planned to cut Dodgers' salaries

LOS ANGELES -- Frank McCourt says his plans to turn around the Los Angeles Dodgers' fortunes included reducing players' salaries.

A business plan created for McCourt called for cutting payroll by 11 percent and 21 percent in 2005 and 2006, respectively.

The plan was aiming for a team operating budget at about $85 million. It was shown Wednesday at his divorce trial that could decide whether he should share the team with his estranged wife and former team CEO, Jamie McCourt.

McCourt bought the Dodgers in early 2004 from Fox Corp. for about $430 million. The previous owner was bleeding money -- as much as $55 million in 2003 -- before McCourt took over. Story

Rays recall Jennings, Navarro

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Desmond Jennings and Dioner Navarro were in the lineup for Tampa Bay after being recalled from Triple-A Durham when major league rosters expanded.

Jennings started in left field and batted second against Toronto. Navarro caught and batted eighth, one spot behind former Colorado Rockies All-Star Brad Hawpe, who was the designated hitter in his Tampa Bay debut.

Among other moves, reliever Grant Balfour was activated from the 15-day disabled list. Right-hander Jeremy Hellickson was recalled from Class-A Charlotte and will pitch out of the bullpen.

The Rays also purchased the contract of outfielder Rocco Baldelli from Durham, recalled catcher Jose Lobaton before placing him on the 15-day disabled list with a right foot injury, and sent right-handed reliever Dale Thayer outright to the Triple-A affiliate.

Royals' Kendall to have surgery

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Jason Kendall, who had been Kansas City's starting catcher in 118 of their first 132 games, will undergo shoulder surgery Friday in Los Angeles for a torn right rotator cuff.

Royals manager Ned Yost said the recovery time is eight to 10 months, but the club is hopeful he would be back by the season opener next January.

Yost said a MRI Monday detected "extensive damage" to Kendall's throwing shoulder.

Kendall, who this season became the fifth player in major league history to catch 2,000 games, hit .256 with 18 extra-base hits, all doubles, this season, his first with the Royals.

D-Backs bring up Allen, three others

PHOENIX -- Arizona recalled power-hitting first baseman Brandon Allen and added three others as September call-ups.

Infielder Tony Abreu and right-hander Carlos Rosa also were recalled from Triple-A Reno, and right-hander Leo Rosales was reinstated from the 60-day disabled list.

Allen had 25 homers and 86 RBI in 107 games with the Aces, hitting .261. He hit .202 with 40 strikeouts in 32 games late last season with Arizona.

Abreu hit .237 in 60 games for Arizona this season before being optioned on Aug. 4.

Twins complete Fuentes deal

MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota sent 7-foot-1 pitcher Loek Van Mil to the Los Angeles Angels to complete last week's trade for left-hander Brian Fuentes.

The Twins announced the move before their game against the Tigers.

Van Mil is a right-hander from the Netherlands who turns 26 later this month. He was designated for assignment to make room for Fuentes when the deal was made last Friday.

Van Mil had a 6.37 ERA in 23 relief appearances for Double-A New Britain this season. Injuries have hindered his progress since he was signed by the Twins in 2006.