<TABLE class=datatable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TH class=headergrey colSpan=15>Projected Umpires for 7/19/2005</TH><TR><TH class=header2 colSpan=3>Home Plate Umpire</TH><TH class=header2 colSpan=2>Scoring</TH><TH class=header2 colSpan=5>Home Team Record</TH><TH class=header2 colSpan=5>Average Game Stats</TH><TR><TH class=header1 noWrap align=middle width=80>Game</TH><TH class=header1 noWrap align=middle width=30>OU</TH><TH class=header1 noWrap align=middle width=80>Umpire</TH><TH class=header1 noWrap align=middle width=35>Home</TH><TH class=header1 noWrap align=middle width=35>Road</TH><TH class=header1 noWrap align=middle width=30>W/L</TH><TH class=header1 noWrap align=middle width=40>Units</TH><TH class=header1 noWrap align=middle width=40>Ov/Un</TH><TH class=header1 noWrap align=middle width=40>Ov %</TH><TH class=header1 noWrap align=middle width=40>Un %</TH><TH class=header1 noWrap align=middle width=30>AVG</TH><TH class=header1 noWrap align=middle width=30>ERA</TH><TH class=header1 noWrap align=middle width=30>WHIP</TH><TH class=header1 noWrap align=middle width=30>BB</TH><TH class=header1 noWrap align=middle width=30>SO</TH><TR class=cell1><TD>COL at WAS</TD><TD align=right>7</TD><TD>L PONCINO</TD><TD align=right>4.6</TD><TD align=right>5.3</TD><TD align=right>9-11</TD><TD align=right bgColor=#ff3333>-4.1</TD><TD align=right>10-6</TD><TD align=right>62.5%</TD><TD align=right>37.5%</TD><TD align=right>0.271</TD><TD align=right>4.6</TD><TD align=right>1.4</TD><TD align=right>5.6</TD><TD align=right>14.3 <TR class=cell2><TD>HOU at PIT</TD><TD align=right>9</TD><TD>D SCOTT</TD><TD align=right>5.6</TD><TD align=right>3.4</TD><TD align=right>13-5</TD><TD align=right bgColor=#a2fd98>+8.1</TD><TD align=right>7-9</TD><TD align=right>43.8%</TD><TD align=right>56.3%</TD><TD align=right>0.262</TD><TD align=right>4.4</TD><TD align=right>1.4</TD><TD align=right>5.7</TD><TD align=right>13.0 <TR class=cell1><TD>HOU at PIT</TD><TD align=right>9</TD><TD align=middle colSpan=13>Umpire information is NOT AVAILABLE for this game</TD><TR class=cell2><TD>LOS at PHI</TD><TD align=right>9</TD><TD align=middle colSpan=13>Umpire information is NOT AVAILABLE for this game</TD><TR class=cell1><TD>CHC at CIN</TD><TD align=right>9.5</TD><TD>S HOLBROOK</TD><TD align=right>5.5</TD><TD align=right>4.6</TD><TD align=right>15-7</TD><TD align=right bgColor=#a2fd98>+7.1</TD><TD align=right>10-11</TD><TD align=right>47.6%</TD><TD align=right>52.4%</TD><TD align=right>0.280</TD><TD align=right>4.9</TD><TD align=right>1.4</TD><TD align=right>5.5</TD><TD align=right>12.4 <TR class=cell2><TD>SDG at NYM</TD><TD align=right>8</TD><TD align=middle colSpan=13>Umpire information is NOT AVAILABLE for this game</TD><TR class=cell1><TD>MIL at STL</TD><TD align=right>8.5</TD><TD>C GUCCIONE</TD><TD align=right>5.6</TD><TD align=right>3.3</TD><TD align=right>9-5</TD><TD align=right bgColor=#a2fd98>+4.4</TD><TD align=right>6-7</TD><TD align=right>46.2%</TD><TD align=right>53.8%</TD><TD align=right>0.263</TD><TD align=right>4.0</TD><TD align=right>1.4</TD><TD align=right>5.9</TD><TD align=right>12.9 <TR class=cell2><TD>FLO at ARI</TD><TD align=right>8.5</TD><TD>J CRAWFORD</TD><TD align=right>6.3</TD><TD align=right>4.4</TD><TD align=right>9-4</TD><TD align=right bgColor=#a2fd98>+4.6</TD><TD align=right>8-4</TD><TD align=right>66.7%</TD><TD align=right>33.3%</TD><TD align=right>0.268</TD><TD align=right>5.1</TD><TD align=right>1.4</TD><TD align=right>5.8</TD><TD align=right>12.8 <TR class=cell1><TD>ATL at SFO</TD><TD align=right>8.5</TD><TD>F CULBRETH</TD><TD align=right>3.9</TD><TD align=right>5.6</TD><TD align=right>8-12</TD><TD align=right bgColor=#ff3333>-5.5</TD><TD align=right>9-12</TD><TD align=right>42.9%</TD><TD align=right>57.1%</TD><TD align=right>0.248</TD><TD align=right>4.2</TD><TD align=right>1.3</TD><TD align=right>6.4</TD><TD align=right>12.9 <TR class=cell2><TD>KAN at CLE</TD><TD align=right>8.5</TD><TD>T WELKE</TD><TD align=right>4.6</TD><TD align=right>5.1</TD><TD align=right>10-8</TD><TD align=right bgColor=#ff3333>-0.8</TD><TD align=right>5-10</TD><TD align=right>33.3%</TD><TD align=right>66.7%</TD><TD align=right>0.279</TD><TD align=right>4.4</TD><TD align=right>1.4</TD><TD align=right>6.6</TD><TD align=right>12.5 <TR class=cell1><TD>TAM at BOS</TD><TD align=right>10</TD><TD>D DEMUTH</TD><TD align=right>4.2</TD><TD align=right>4.2</TD><TD align=right>10-10</TD><TD align=right bgColor=#ff3333>-2.5</TD><TD align=right>8-10</TD><TD align=right>44.4%</TD><TD align=right>55.6%</TD><TD align=right>0.260</TD><TD align=right>4.1</TD><TD align=right>1.3</TD><TD align=right>6.1</TD><TD align=right>12.4 <TR class=cell2><TD>SEA at TOR</TD><TD align=right>9</TD><TD align=middle colSpan=13>Umpire information is NOT AVAILABLE for this game</TD><TR class=cell1><TD>DET at CHW</TD><TD align=right>9</TD><TD align=middle colSpan=13>Umpire information is NOT AVAILABLE for this game</TD><TR class=cell2><TD>NYY at TEX</TD><TD align=right>11.5</TD><TD>J REYNOLDS</TD><TD align=right>4.6</TD><TD align=right>5.2</TD><TD align=right>7-13</TD><TD align=right bgColor=#ff3333>-9.6</TD><TD align=right>11-7</TD><TD align=right>61.1%</TD><TD align=right>38.9%</TD><TD align=right>0.266</TD><TD align=right>4.4</TD><TD align=right>1.4</TD><TD align=right>6.9</TD><TD align=right>14.4 <TR class=cell1><TD>BAL at MIN</TD><TD align=right>9</TD><TD>M WINTERS</TD><TD align=right>5.3</TD><TD align=right>4.2</TD><TD align=right>12-7</TD><TD align=right bgColor=#a2fd98>+3.7</TD><TD align=right>8-11</TD><TD align=right>42.1%</TD><TD align=right>57.9%</TD><TD align=right>0.271</TD><TD align=right>4.4</TD><TD align=right>1.4</TD><TD align=right>5.6</TD><TD align=right>12.6 <TR class=cell2><TD>OAK at ANA</TD><TD align=right>7.5</TD><TD>G GIBSON</TD><TD align=right>6.7</TD><TD align=right>5.4</TD><TD align=right>13-4</TD><TD align=right bgColor=#a2fd98>+9.2</TD><TD align=right>12-5</TD><TD align=right>70.6%</TD><TD align=right>29.4%</TD><TD align=right>0.303</TD><TD align=right>6.1</TD><TD align=right>1.6</TD><TD align=right>7.5</TD><TD align=right>11.8</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE width=480 border=0><THEAD><TR><TD align=middle>Tuesday, July 19</TD></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR><TD></TD><TD><TABLE width=480 border=0><THEAD><TR bgColor=#99ccdd><TD></TD></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE width=480 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=200>Colorado Rockies at Washington Nationals, 7:05 p.m.</TD><TD>Partly cloudy with a 40-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing from left to right field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Near 90.</TD></TR><TR><TD width=200>Houston Astros at Pittsburgh Pirates, 5:05 p.m. (Doubleheader)</TD><TD>Partly cloudy with a 30-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing from right to left field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 85.</TD></TR><TR><TD width=200>Los Angeles Dodgers at Philadelphia Phillies, 7:05 p.m.</TD><TD>Partly cloudy with a 40-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing from left to right field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 85.</TD></TR><TR><TD width=200>Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati Reds, 7:10 p.m.</TD><TD>Partly cloudy with a 30-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing out to center field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 85.</TD></TR><TR><TD width=200>San Diego Padres at New York Mets, 7:10 p.m.</TD><TD>Partly cloudy with a 40-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing out to left field at 10-20 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 85.</TD></TR><TR><TD width=200>Milwaukee Brewers at St. Louis Cardinals, 8:10 p.m.</TD><TD>Partly cloudy. Winds blowing from left to right field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 85.</TD></TR><TR><TD width=200>Flordia Marlins at Arizona Diamondbacks, 9;40 p.m.</TD><TD>Mostly clear. Winds blowing out to center field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 100.</TD></TR><TR><TD width=200>Atlanta Braves at San Francisco Giants, 10:15 p.m.</TD><TD>Mostly clear. Winds blowing out to right field at 10-20 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Near 70.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD><TABLE width=480 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=200>Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Indians, 7:05 p.m.</TD><TD>Mostly clear. Winds blowing from left to right field at 10-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Near 85.</TD></TR><TR><TD width=200>Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Boston Red Sox, 7:05 p.m.</TD><TD>Mostly cloudy with a 30-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing out to left field at 10-20 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 80.</TD></TR><TR><TD width=200>Seattle Mariners at Toronto Blue Jays, 7:05 p.m.</TD><TD>Mostly clear. Winds blowing from left to right field at 10-20 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Near 85.</TD></TR><TR><TD width=200>Detroit Tigers at Chicago White Sox, 8:05 p.m.</TD><TD>Clear. Winds blowing out to right field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Near 85.</TD></TR><TR><TD width=200>New York Yankees at Texas Rangers, 8:05 p.m.</TD><TD>Partly cloudy with a 30-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing in from right field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Near 90.</TD></TR><TR><TD width=200>Oakland Athletics at Los Angeles Angels, 10:05 p.m.</TD><TD>Mostly clear. Winds blowing out to left field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 75.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=blackheader noWrap bgColor=#000000 colSpan=5>Results for: Date 'Jul. 19, 2005'</TD><TD class=blackheader noWrap align=right bgColor=#000000></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=5 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=statsbold> Date</TD><TD class=statsbold> Player</TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>The Yankees placed Ruben Sierra (OF) NYY on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring, according to the AP. Sierra suffered the injury while he was rounding first base on a two-run single in the eighth inning of Monday night's game against Texas. "I feel good that I got the job done, but I feel bad that I got hurt, because I'm really feeling good at the plate and I know I can do some damage if I'm healthy," said Sierra. He was hitting .286 with three homers and 25 RBI prior to the injury.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=stats vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=stats>The Cubs optioned Ben Grieve (OF) ChC to Triple-A Iowa to open up a roster spot for the newly-acquired Jody Gerut, according to the AP. Grieve was hitting .357 in 17 games with Chicago.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>The Rockies optioned Ryan Spilborghs (OF) Col to Triple-A Colorado Springs to make space on the roster for Matt Holliday, who just came off the DL, according to the AP. Spilborghs went 2-for-4 with a RBI on Saturday in his only game with the big league team.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=stats vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=stats>The Rockies activated Matt Holliday (OF) Col from the 15-day disabled list, according to the AP. He missed 33 games after fracturing his right pinky on June 8. Holliday hit .538 (14-for-26) with six RBI in seven games in a rehab assignment with Double-A Tulsa.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>The Devil Rays will send Doug Waechter (P) TB to Triple-A Durham for a five-inning, 75-pitch rehabilitation start on Wednesday, according to the Tampa Tribune. If all goes well, he will start Monday for the Devil Rays against the Red Sox.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=stats vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=stats>Dewon Brazelton (P) TB finally had an appeal hearing scheduled for the five-day suspension and $3,000 fine he picked up for his actions in a brawl with the Red Sox on April 24, according to the Tampa Tribune. The hearing will take place on July 28. </TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>Ryan Jensen (P) KC cleared waivers and accepted an assignment to Triple-A Omaha on Monday, according to the Kansas City Star.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=stats vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=stats>The Royals activated Matt Diaz (OF) KC from the disabled list and optioned him to Triple-A Omaha on Monday, according to the Kansas City Star. He had been sidelined with a strained oblique.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>Laynce Nix (OF) Tex underwent an MRI exam on Monday which revealed no structural damage to his left shoulder, according to the Dallas Morning News. Nix jammed the shoulder last week.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=stats vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=stats>Ron Mahay (P) Tex pitched 2 1/3 innings for the Rangers on Monday, and manager Buck Showalter said he came through it fine physically, according to the Dallas Morning News. Mahay had been nursing a cut on his left forefinger.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>Dmitri Young (1B) Det has missed three straight games with soreness in his calf and Achilles area, according to the Detroit Free Press. There is no timetable for his return.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=stats vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=stats>Justin Verlander (P) Det will start for the Tigers on Saturday in the second game of a day-night doubleheader, according to the Detroit News. Verlander already made one start this year for the Tigers, also during a doubleheader on July 4. </TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>Ryan Freel (OF) Cin will likely be activated from the DL by the end of this week and will play several positions upon his return, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. "(Freel) will play second, third, left, center and right," Reds manager Jerry Narron said. "I'll take the toughness (of making out the lineup) over not having (Freel). He strengthens our bench."</TD></TR><TR><TD class=stats vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=stats>The Rockies are aggressively trying to move Dustan Mohr (OF) Col, according to the Denver Post. "If they do something, fine. I am not worried about it," Mohr said.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>Joe Torre indicated that Bubba Crosby (OF) NYY could be due for some semi-regular work along with Bernie Williams in center field, according to Newsday. </TD></TR><TR><TD class=stats vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=stats>Chien-Ming Wang (P) NYY met with Dr. James Andrews on Monday, and the Yankees said Andrews agreed with their diagnosis from last week of a torn rotator cuff, according to Newsday. Wang will go through an exercise program for two weeks and then throw. If his shoulder has not improved, he is expected to have surgery.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>Jesse Foppert (P) SF is expected to pitch an inning tonight for Class-A San Jose as he continues to rehab from a strained neck, according to the San Jose Mercury News. </TD></TR><TR><TD class=stats vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=stats>Marquis Grissom (OF) SF will begin his rehab assignment tonight for Triple-A Fresno, according to the San Jose Mercury News. Grissom is currently on the DL with a right hamstring strain.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>Kevin Brown (P) NYY was pulled from his start on Monday soon after he hit the bag awkwardly while covering first base, according to Newsday. Joe Torre said Brown "jarred his back a little" on that play at first. "It's stiff," Brown said. It was Brown's first start in more than a month.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=stats vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=stats>Ray Durham (2B) SF limped off the field in the fifth inning on Monday with what is being called a bruised left heel, according to the San Jose Mercury News. Durham will be evaluated today.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>Barry Bonds (OF) SF released a diary entry on his Web site on Monday in which he reiterated his desire to play this season, albeit probably not until September, according to the San Jose Mercury News. "If I'm ready in September and the Giants want me to play, I'll play," Bonds wrote. "It is all up to the doctors and when they say I can come back. However, when I do come back, I'll be at the level that I'm used to playing. If I can stay on this pace for a few weeks, then I will start running and doing baseball-related activities."</TD></TR><TR><TD class=stats vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=stats>Ruben Sierra (OF) NYY will be headed to the disabled list after suffering a hamstring injury on Monday night, according to Newsday. Sierra said he felt his hamstring "tying up and pop at the same time. I never had one like this before. It's sore. I can't determine how long it will keep me out."</TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>Erubiel Durazo (1B) Oak was scheduled to be examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum on Monday night at Angel Stadium, according to the Contra Costa Times. Durazo has been out since May 25 with left elbow tendinitis. "It's just not getting any better," A's trainer Larry Davis said. "We're in Anaheim and Yocum is in Anaheim. When something doesn't get better, the player and doctor get together and discuss options." Davis said surgery has not been ruled out. "The rehab has failed," Davis said. "You have to go and figure out the next step."</TD></TR><TR><TD class=stats vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=stats>Travis Hafner (DH) Cle expects to return to the lineup tonight, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He's sat out the last couple of games after being hit in the face by a pitch over the weekend.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>Jeff Baker (3B) Col suffered a broken left thumb when he was hit by a line drive off the bat of teammate Jeff Pickler while running the bases during batting practice with Triple-A Colorado Springs, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Baker is expected to be out for the rest of the season.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=stats vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=stats>Ryan Spilborghs (OF) Col is expected to be returned to Triple-A Colorado Springs today to make room on the roster for Matt Holliday, according to the Rocky Mountain News. </TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>Kevin Youkilis (3B) Bos might play some second base in Mark Bellhorn's absence, but he probably won't play a lot of it, according to the Boston Globe. "I don't want to say it's not an option," manager Terry Francona said. "I don't know if it's our best option. He's showing a real willingness and ability to adapt. At the same time when the ball is hit, you don't want someone in your middle infield not knowing where to go."</TD></TR><TR><TD class=stats vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=stats>Red Sox manager Terry Francona met briefly with Bill Mueller (3B) Bos to discuss using the third baseman at second base when needed, according to the Boston Globe. If Mueller can play some second base, that would enable Kevin Youkilis to play third, though Francona didn't rule out using Youkilis at second.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>Oscar Villarreal (P) ARZ threw a bullpen session on Monday and is close to being ready for a rehab assignment as he continues to recover from a slightly torn right rotator cuff, according to the Arizona Republic. Villarreal expects to throw at least one more side session on Friday.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=stats vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=stats>The Diamondbacks are likely to go after Shingo Takatsu (P) CWS to shore up their leaky bullpen, according to the Arizona Republic. He was designated for assignment by the White Sox on Monday.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>Mike Gonzalez (P) Pit could resume pitching off a mound today or tomorrow as he continues to rehab his knee injury, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. His long-tossing was extended to 120 feet yesterday, and he reported no discomfort with his knee or arm.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=stats vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=stats>The Angels plan on giving Orlando Cabrera (SS) LAA an occasional day of rest here and there in an effort to keep his elbow from flaring up, according to the LA Times. He has bone chips in his elbow which will require surgery in the offseason. "I want to be healthy, and if my elbow hurts, I'll have to take my time. But I'm confident I'll get through the season with this. It's fine," he said.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>Oliver Perez (P) Pit began his throwing program yesterday with light long-tossing as he continues to recover from a broken left big toe, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. There is no timetable for him to resume pitching from a mound.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=stats vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=stats>Although he is batting .295 against right-handed pitchers, Russ Branyan (3B) MLW gave way to Bill Hall at third base in yesterday's game against Matt Morris and the Cardinals because of lingering soreness in his right shoulder, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. "It's been bothering him a little bit," Brewers manager Ned Yost said. "It's been off and on all year and we do not want to get back to Square 1 with him."</TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>Raul Chavez (C) Hou has accepted his assignment to Triple-A Round Rock after having his contract outrighted after Friday's game, according to the Houston Chronicle.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=stats vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=stats>The latest trade rumor involving Mike Lowell (3B) Fla has the third baseman landing in Pittsburgh in a three-way trade that would also send A.J. Burnett to the Orioles, according to the Baltimore Sun.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>Javy Lopez (C) Bal took batting and fielding practice on Monday and could be sent out on a rehab assignment by the weekend, according to the Baltimore Sun. "He just wanted to get in the habit of doing the extra work," said Orioles manager Lee Mazzilli. "He hit extremely well. He'll hit tomorrow early again." Mazzilli said he'd like Lopez to get 25 at-bats in the minors before returning to the Orioles. </TD></TR><TR><TD class=stats vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=stats>If the Orioles acquire another starting pitcher -- they are rumored to be interested in A.J. Burnett -- then Sidney Ponson (P) Bal will likely move to a long relief role, according to the Baltimore Sun.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>In order to clear up a roster spot for Erik Bedard yesterday, the Orioles attempted to send Steve Kline (P) Bal to Double-A Bowie, according to the Baltimore Sun. The struggling veteran refused the move, which forced the team to designate James Baldwin for assignment.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=stats vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=stats>Carlos Zambrano (P) ChC didn't appear to have any lingering effects after trying to stop a hard ground ball with his pitching hand Sunday against the Pirates, according to the Chicago Tribune. "I talked to Carlos [on Monday]," Cubs manager Dusty Baker said, "and he didn't say anything. He seems like he is OK."</TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>An MRI on Monday determined that Scott Rolen (3B) StL has mild tendinitis in his left rotator cuff, and his availability will be limited for the next three-to-six weeks, according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Rolen didn't play last night but is expect to play tonight. "We're optimistic that this is a situation that we can get under control and, at least at this point, it doesn't warrant putting him back on the disabled list," said Dr. George Paletta, head of the Cardinals' medical staff. "The plan is to play him semi-regularly." </TD></TR><TR><TD class=stats vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=stats>The Nationals continue to ask the Devil Rays about a trade that might include Danys Baez (P) TB, but a source said the Nationals would also like to acquire Julio Lugo in the deal, according to the Washington Post.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>Nationals manager Frank Robinson has decided to stick with struggling shortstop Cristian Guzman (SS) Was for the long haul despite the fact that he is hitting just .190 with a .229 OBP, according to the Washington Post. "I have to try to get this guy whole for the rest of the year," Robinson said. "To talk about, now, taking him out of the lineup for a few days or a week or whatever -- what damage might that do to him for the rest of the year?" </TD></TR><TR><TD class=stats vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=stats>Antonio Alfonseca (P) Fla threw batting practice on Monday and could make a rehab appearance Wednesday, according to the Miami Herald. The Marlins hope he can return from the stress fracture in his elbow on July 25.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>Josh Beckett (P) Fla threw out of the bullpen for about 20 minutes before Monday's game, but it remained uncertain whether he will be able to come off the disabled list to start on Saturday, according to the Miami Herald. Beckett is currently recovering from a strained left oblique. </TD></TR><TR><TD class=stats vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=stats>A.J. Burnett (P) Fla doesn't think he'll still be with the Marlins when he's set to make his scheduled start tonight, according to the Miami Herald. "But I'll be ready if I am," Burnett said. It looks like the deal that would send Burnett and Mike Lowell to Baltimore for Hayden Penn, Jorge Julio, Larry Bigbie and perhaps Steve Kline is nearing completion.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=statspink vAlign=top noWrap>Jul. 19</TD><TD class=statspink>Ruben Sierra (OF) NYY injured his left hamstring after hitting a two-run single in the eighth inning Monday night and is likely headed to the disabled list, according to the AP.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
