Jenks handed third blown save
White Sox RP Bobby Jenks could not hold a 4-2 lead Wednesday against the Royals and ended up blowing his third save in 17 chances. Royals OF David DeJesus hit a tying two-run single in the ninth inning off Jenks, but was then picked off first for the second out of the inning. John Buck and pinch-hitter Alberto Callaspo opened the ninth with singles and after a sacrifice, DeJesus delivered a single to center as Jenks blew his first save chance since May 28. He allowed three hits and two runs in two innings of work. He struck out two.
Bullpen keeps Danks from fifth win
White Sox SP John Danks was in line for his fifth win on Wednesday against the Royals before Bobby Jenks allowed Kansas City to score twice in the ninth inning and tie the game at 4. Danks allowed just two runs -- on solo homers by Miguel Olivo and Mark Teahen -- and six hits in 5 2/3 innings. He walked two and struck out one.
Hochevar allows another four runs
Royals SP Luke Hochevar lasted 5 2/3 innings Wednesday against the White Sox, giving up five hits, four runs and five walks. He took a no decison as Kansas City tied the game in the ninth. It appeared initially the White Sox added another run in the fifth when Alexei Ramirez raced home from second as Royals SS Esteban German committed an error on Carlos Quentin's grounder. Ramirez slid into the plate as he was blocked off by Royals C John Buck, who didn't catch the ball. Ramirez got up and went into the dugout as the run went up on the scoreboard. But moments after manager Trey Hillman came out to talk to home plate umpire Bill Miller, Ramirez was ruled out for not touching the plate when Hochevar tossed the ball to Buck as Paul Konerko was coming to bat. White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen came out of the dugout for a ruling but did not argue.
Crede homers, leaves with injury
White Sox 3B Joe Crede left Wednesday's game against the Royals after the 12th inning with a bruised right wrist. He made a nice stop in the top of the inning on a hard grounder by David DeJesus. Crede was 2-for-3 with his 10th homer and 11th double before leaving the game. He also walked twice and had two RBI.
Maddux still stuck on 350 wins Kevin Kouzmanoff hit a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning, while Greg Maddux and two relievers combined on a three-hitter as the San Diego Padres beat the Cubs 2-1 Wednesday. Maddux was masterful for San Diego, yet had nothing to show for it. Maddux, ninth on the all-time wins list with 350, allowed one run and three hits in seven innings. The 42-year-old threw just 69 pitches before he was lifted for a pinch hitter in the seventh. The right-hander faced only three batters in six of his seven innings. It was the 51st time in his career that he did not allow a walk when pitching at least six innings.
Lilly suffers 2-1 defeat Wednesday Kevin Kouzmanoff hit a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning, while Greg Maddux and two relievers combined on a three-hitter as the San Diego Padres beat the Cubs and Ted Lilly, 2-1 on Wednesday. Brian Giles led off the eighth with a double off Lilly (5-5). After he moved to third on a flyout, Kouzmanoff hit his sacrifice fly to center off Carlos Marmol to make it 2-1. Lilly allowed two runs and seven hits in 7 1/3 innings. He allowed Scott Hairston to hit a leadoff homer in the first, but settled down until San Diego scored the game winner in the eighth. Lilly walked two and struck out eight.
Clement takes first step in rehab
Cardinals SP Matt Clement (shoulder) made his first rehab start Wednesday for Class A Palm Beach. Pitching for the first time in nearly two years, Clement allowed one hit in six innings as the Cardinals beat the Daytona Cubs 2-1 Tuesday. The 33-year-old right-hander struck out five without issuing a walk. He threw 73 pitches and touched 88 mph on the radar gun. "For me to say this would happen tonight, I would be lying. I was hoping to feel good and feel like myself. To have this happen, it's a tremendous blessing," Clement told MiLB.com. "I'm kind of at a loss of words, but at the same time, it's the first step toward the ultimate goal."
Brown does well in rehab outing
A's RP Andrew Brown (appendectomy) begin a rehab assignment Wednesday with Class A Stockton. Brown pitched two perfect innings to begin the ball game, but did not factor into the decision.
Ojeda back after missing 9 starts
Diamondbacks 2B Augie Ojeda returned to the starting lineup Wednesday against the Brewers after missing nine games with a groin injury. He had one single in four at-bats while striking out twice.
Hill questionable for series finale
Blue Jays 2B Aaron Hill (mild concussion) did not return to the starting lineup Wednesday against the Yankees. He has missed the last five games and remains questionable for Thursday's series finale.
Martinez starts Wednesday vs. Texas
Indians C Victor Martinez returned to the starting lineup Wednesday against the Rangers after not starting Tuesday to rest his sore hamstring. Martinez didn't look sore Wednesday as he had a sac fly and RBI double. He went 1-for-4 with two runs and one walk while picking up his 11th double.
Macri optioned to Triple-A
The Minnesota Twins activated right-hander Scott Baker from the 15-day disabled list Wednesday night, bringing their staff to 13 pitchers. Rookie infielder Matt Macri was optioned to Triple-A Rochester after collecting three hits in seven at-bats over four games. Baker will start Thursday against Baltimore, after spending the last month on the DL and in extended spring training trying to strengthen a strained right groin muscle.
Baker comes off 15-day DL
The Minnesota Twins activated right-hander Scott Baker from the 15-day disabled list Wednesday night, bringing their staff to 13 pitchers. Rookie infielder Matt Macri was optioned to Triple-A Rochester after collecting three hits in seven at-bats over four games. Baker will start Thursday against Baltimore, after spending the last month on the DL and in extended spring training trying to strengthen a strained right groin muscle.
Loewen throws 27 pitches Wednesday
Orioles SP Adam Loewen threw a 27-pitch inning in extended spring training work in Florida, where he'll stay and throw a simulated game on Saturday. Then he'll leave and begin a rehab assignment to test his left elbow, but won't be back until the end of June.
Shelton lacks in offensive outburst
The Rangers managed to post nine runs Wednesday against the Indians, but 1B Chris Shelton was not part of the offensive barrage. He was hitless in five at-bats and struck out three times. His batting average dropped to .219.
2B Cabrera exits with hip strain
Indians 2B Astrubal Cabrera left Wednesday's game against the Rangers in the fourth inning with a left hip strain. He was 0-for-1 with one run and one walk before leaving the game and being replaced by Jamey Carroll.
