The Hot Corner, 5/19 edition

According to David Lennon of Newsday, Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado will have hip surgery on Tuesday.

The Mets have also placed Alex Cora on the 15-day DL due to a torn ligament in his thumb.

Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks will miss the remainder of the season with a tear in his left wrist.

Yankees pitcher Chien-Ming Wang will throw a bullpen session in front of Yankee coaches to determine his next step: another rehab start or returning to the rotation.

Tigers outfielder Magglio Ordonez will miss at least two games as his wife undergoes surgery.

"I want to enjoy this moment, but I've got to get there first," [Giants pitcher Randy] Johnson said. "And I've got to pitch well in order to get there." At 298 career wins, Johnson has an ERA of 6.86.

For Mariners pitcher Jarrod Washburn, the fifth inning is like the first inning for Joba Chamberlain. And last night was no different allowing five runs and five hits including a home run in the fifth inning.

Although Angels pitcher John Lackey gave up five runs (four earned) in five innings in his first game of 3 pitches or more, the Angels beat the Mariners 10-6.

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Cardinals manager Tony La Russa will use Khalil Greene, who is hitting .204 and has a team-high six errors, in a utility role over the near term.

The Royals are bucking the league's attendance trend (-5% on average) and are seeing an increase of 16% from last year for their first 21 home games.

In his first rehab appearance, Kevin Youkilis was 0-for-2.

Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, who was 7-for-18 against the Nationals this weekend, hopes his struggles are behind him. "It can't be this hard," Rollins said. "You have something that you do during your whole life and for some reason it's like, 'Why can't I do it anymore? What happened that is making this so difficult?' "

The Hot Corner, 5/18 (AM) edition

The Rays have placed outfielder Pat Burrell on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to May 11th)

Bud Shaw of the Cleveland Plain Dealer says Indians manager Eric Wedge has taken on the personality of his team and is "all over the map."

Both starter Chien-Ming Wang and set-up man Brian Bruney could return to the Yankees within the next few days.

Ethan Skolnick of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel says the Marlins are more like their 7-and-19 version (over their past 26 games) than their 11-and-1 version (over their first 12 games).

Will practice make perfect for Big Papi? “We’ll see. It was a little out of normal (not playing in three straight games), but I feel good. I feel good. I feel these days off, I did some things where I had to think about them and then an hour later, go ahead and try to do them, you know? Practice it. I feel good.”

In 5 2/3 innings, Cardinals pitcher Todd Wellemeyer walked seven and hit two batters.

Giants pitcher Matt Cain ended the Giants eight-game losing streak to the Mets by pitching six shutout innings and driving in one of the team's runs in their 2-0 victory.

Mets pitcher Mike Pelphrey, who balked three times, says "I think maybe when I get on national TV, I like making a fool of myself. It seemed like I almost had the yips. It was like I was fighting myself to come set because my mind kept telling me to pick the guy off. I went back and watched replays and I balked."

Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez, who went hitless yesterday, saw his 13-game hitting streak come to an end.

Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu wants his players to take "a more intellectual and less emotional approach to the game," according to Steve Kelley of The Seattle Times.

The Phillies will start Cole Hamels on Tuesday and Jamie Moyer on Wednesday against the Reds.

Twins 3B Joe Crede took batting practice Sunday and manager Ron Gardenhire expects him back in the lineup Monday.

Astros closer LaTroy Hawkins was surprised that his right side hurt since he fell on his left side Saturday. “I’m sore everywhere,” said Hawkins, who was limping. “I feel like I was in a car accident. Just slipped backing up home plate. I got jarred.”

Astros RHP Brandon Backe will make two more rehab starts before being activated.

Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano, who made a rehab start Sunday, says "'I feel 100 percent. I just had a little problem with my release point. But this week, before my next outing, we'll correct it.'' Manager Lou Piniella hasn't made a final decision on whether Zambrano will start Friday against the Padres.

Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter will pitch Wednesday against the Cubs.

Although it's only May, Fox and MLB agreed to air playoff games earlier this year (7:57 p.m. first pitches for weekday games).

The Hot Corner, 5/17 edition

Diamondbacks rookie Gerardo Parra has 13 career at-bats and five hits including two triples and a home run. "He can hit," second baseman Felipe Lopez said. "He can flat-out hit. That's a beautiful swing. He adds a lot to the lineup."

Astros catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez hit his 300th career home run.

Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon, who hit a walk-off homer in the 10th inning, was the recipient of a whipped-cream pie to the face. It's the third consecutive game that the Yankees have won in their final at-bat.

David Wells calls Clemens "He-lie" as he says Clemens used to call him.

Wells went on to say that the players like A-Rod, Manny, etc. should be banned from the Hall of Fame. “(Even if they) got Hall of Fame numbers, just ban them right out (from) the get-go, I think that would be great. No 50-game suspension. Ban them right away, that would stop it in a heartbeat especially the money they are giving out today it would be incredible if they did that, you wouldn’t have to worry about steroids or HGH.

Roy Halladay picked up another win as the Blue Jays beat the White Sox.

Mets shortstop Jose Reyes missed his fourth straight game.

The Angels 3-0 loss to the Rangers was their first shutout of the season.

Despite today's rainout, Diamondbacks starter Dan Haren will still start Monday's game against the Florida Marlins.

Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw threw seven no-hit innings until Marlins outfielder Cody Ross doubled off of him in the eighth inning.

A sore forearm has affected Royals shortstop Mike Aviles, who's batting .194 this season. "Mike's never one to make excuses, but he's got a little bit of a stiff forearm that's been bothering him," Hillman said. "Personally, I think it's affected his swing with pitches that typically he could get to."

Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton left today's game with a mild groin strain.

Andy Sonnanstine, designated hitter?

Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon meant for Evan Longoria to DH while Ben Zobrist plays third base.

However, on the official sheet provided to the umpire before the game, Maddon listed both Zobrist and Longoria at third base.

That meant that Longoria wouldn't be allowed to DH and Rays pitcher Andy Sonnanstine would hit instead. Not only would Sonnanstine hit, but he had to bat third (where Longoria was intended to hit).

Although Sonnanstine recorded his first career extra-base hit during his second at-bat, I'm sure Maddon will be more careful next time.

Lackey ejected Saturday, likely to start Monday?

Los Angeles Angels pitcher John Lackey, who has thrown a total of two pitches in 2009, will likely start Monday against the Seattle Mariners.

"I'm probably going to start [Monday]," Lackey said as he left the field prior to Sunday's series finale against the Rangers. "It will be good to get back out there."

Lackey was ejected from yesterday's game for throwing at Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler. His first pitch was behind the head of Kinsler. His second pitch hit Kinsler in the ribs.

"I was definitely shocked," said Lackey, who missed the first month and a half of the season because of a forearm strain. "I haven't pitched in six weeks, and I was amped up. I was trying to come in on him, but there was no intention at all to hit him or throw behind him."

The question is will Ichiro be ready to duck for Lackey's third pitch of the season.

Mets place Delgado on DL

The New York Mets have placed first baseman Carlos Delgado on the disabled list, according to Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post.

In turn, the Mets have called up outfielder Angel Pagan from Triple-A Buffalo to take Delgado's roster spot.

While a decision hasn't been made about hip surgery yet, manager Jerry Manuel doesn't expect Delgado to be back any time soon.

"He tried a number of things to get ready and get some comfort, but he could never find it. So I don't anticipate this being [just] a 15-day thing, in my opinion. I could be wrong, though, and hopefully I am wrong."

The move is retroactive to May 11th.

The Mets will use a three-man rotation to fill Delgado's spot at first with Fernando Tatis, Jeremy Reed and Daniel Murphy.

"We'll continue to play everybody," Manuel said of the three backups. "I think that's important that everybody play. It gives us a lot of flexibility. Whoever's hot and whoever's playing well, that's who we'll go with."

In the past seven games, Delgado was batting .423 (11-for-26).

Is Carlos Delgado done for the year?

Per Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post, New York Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado has several issues with his hip, which puts the rest of this season in jeopardy.

The Mets will make a decision Sunday on Delgado, but he has a small bone spur, impingement and partial tear in his right hip. The impingement can lead to labrum damage and/or degenerative arthritis.

The arthritis is something that could end Delgado's career, according to Hubbuch.

For now, the Mets will likely use Fernando Tatis at first. But manager Jerry Manuel told WFAN that Daniel Murphy may move to first.

In addition to Delgado's health woes, set-up man J.J. Putz has a bone spur in his elbow. If Putz's elbow responds well to a cortizone shot, he'll be ready to return this weekend.

On the season, Delgado was hitting .298 with four home runs and 23 runs batted in. He was hitting .423 in May (eight games).

The Hot Corner, 5/14

All-time hit leader Pete Rose, who's not in the Hall of Fame due to betting, says he'd vote for A-Rod right now. "Would I vote for A-Rod right now based on his record?" Rose said. "Right now, I would. Manny Ramirez? He's not quite there, but he'll get there."

Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman saw his hitting streak end at 30 games yesterday. He was 0-for-3 with two walks.

Cardinals outfielder Ryan Ludwick was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained hamstring and have recalled outfielder Nick Stavinoha from Triple-A Memphis.

Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter, who had a bullpen session Tuesday, will have another bullpen session on Friday. If all goes well, he will be starting a week after that.

Has 2008 Cy Young winner Cliff Lee regained his Cy Young form? He has an ERA of 1.43 through yesterday's shutout win in his last 44 innings pitched.

White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye and manager Ozzie Guillen were ejected from yesterday's game against Cleveland.

Derek Jeter was out of the lineup Tuesday night, last night and perhaps tonight with a sore right oblique. And he didn't do it "hula-hooping."

Yankees pitcher Chien-Ming Wang threw six scoreless innings for Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre with an effective sinker.

NY Mets streaker Craig Coakley, who faces up to a year in jail and a fine of $5,000, has planned it for the past eight years, according to his sister, per the NY Daily News.

"I'm still trying to get used to pitching in this eighth inning and trying to find some adrenaline because it's not like pitching in the ninth, I'll tell you that," Putz said on WFAN before Wednesday's 8-7 loss in 12 innings to Atlanta. "You just really don't have that heart-pounding sensation. I was talking with a couple of the guys. I think that's where those two or three miles an hour are, that adrenaline."

Per the Chicago Sun-Times, Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano is on pace to return from the DL. ''It's encouraging,'' manager Lou Piniella said. ''The news was good. He's ready to pitch.''

The Hot Corner, 5/12 edition

Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman has extended his hit streak to 29 games with a single in the first inning against the Giants on Monday.

Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton has hit safely in 18 consecutive games after homering in the third inning against the Reds on Monday.

The Mets Carlos Delgado was out Monday with soreness in his hip and is likely to miss "multiple games," according to Brian Costa of the Newark Star-Ledger. Delgado might land on the DL, per the NY Daily News.

Mentor-mentee relationship mutual between Roy Halladay and A.J. Burnett?

When asked about Aubrey Huff's fist pump after homering off him, Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain says "it's a long season." Mike Lupica, of the NY Daily News, reminds Joba that it is a long season for Yankee hitters, too (referencing the Jason Bay incident).

While Yankees manager Joe Girardi hopes that a start in Triple-AAA tonight is Chien-Ming Wang's last step before returning to the Yankees, GM Brian Cashman says: "I wouldn't think that he would be ready after one outing," said Cashman, who will make the trip to Scranton tonight. "We'll see what we see. I wouldn't be surprised if he needed more."

The Mets seven-game winning streak ended despite ace Johan Santana lowering his ERA to 0.78 due to a Jose Reyes' error in the seventh inning.

Speaking of Santana, it was the second time this season that he lost a game while not giving up any runs. "It's crazy that it has happened twice this year," Santana said. "I've never experienced that before. It's part of the game. It's reality. It happened and it's part of the game."

Cubs Derrek Lee may return tonight against San Diego's Jake Peavy.

While rest help Royals Mike Aviles break out of his slump? “I thought it was a good opportunity going into (Monday’s) off day,” Hillman said, “to give Mike a little more rest and, hopefully, clear his mind and allow him to relax a little bit.”

Is Indians manager Eric Wedge considering moving Grady Sizemore out of the leadoff spot.

Jenks admits to throwing at (behind) Kinsler

Chicago White Sox closer Bobby Jenks didn't beat around the bush. Jenks says that he meant to throw behind Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler to "send a message."

After Rangers pitchers hit six White Sox batters, Jenks said that he was "sick" of it.

"No, I meant to. To send a message. Basically I was saying, 'I'm sick of seeing our guys get hit and hurt and almost get taken out of the game.' I threw it with intention."

"I'm not going to put a guy on in that situation," he said. "I was not going to hit him. I made my point with that pitch and it came across the way I wanted it to.

"I'm not going to go dirty. I was going to keep it low and behind him."

Jenks got Kinsler out and the White Sox won 3-2, but both teams were warned by umpire Lance Barksdale.

The Hot Corner, 5/11 edition

The Florida Marlins have sent Cameron Maybin down to Triple-A New Orleans and will call up pitcher John Koronka per the Miami Herald.

Cleveland Indians reliever Masa Kobayashi is "comfortable in the clubhouse and with my teammates," but not necessarily on the mound. He has an ERA of 8.38 in 10 appearances.

The Chicago Cubs scored all four of their runs in the third inning including a two-run homer from Alfonso Soriano to avoid a sweep at the hand of the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday.

Reds outfielder Jay Bruce said Sunday's extra-inning loss to St. Louis "was a blast. We came out on the losing end, but we played good baseball. We’ll win a lot of those.”

What a difference a week makes for the Mets! "I think the ballpark is giving our pitchers more confidence to throw strikes and pitch to contact," Manuel told the NY Daily News.

John Harper of the NY Daily News asks what's wrong if Joba Chamberlain has a little Bob Gibson-style nastiness in him?

Johnny Damon hit his ninth home run of the season, which leads the Yankees, in their 5-3 win over the Orioles.

Blue Jays pitcher Brett Cecil pitched eight shutout innings for the first win in his career. After two starts, he has allowed one earned run in 14 innings.

Arizona manager A.J. Hinch got his first win on a 17-hit, 10-run performance by the D'Backs.

Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, who is on the DL with a strained muscle in his rib cage, slipped in the outfield and landed on his ribs yesterday. He said he didn't feel anything and he'll be ready Tuesday to be activated against the Mariners.

Cubs pitcher Chad Fox, who will have an MRI Monday, may be done. "I felt an area where the screws are. We'll just see. But you get to this point, and I don't want to start messing with quality of life, just to keep chasing."

Soria to DL, Royals call up Hochevar

According to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star, the Kansas City Royals have placed closer Joakim Soria on the 15-day disabled list.

The move is retroactive to Friday. Soria, who has been battling soreness in his shoulder, will be out until at least May 23rd.

“It’s not going away,” he said, “so I have to take some time (off) so I’ll be ready for the rest of the season. It’s still too early in the season to be pitching like that. I think the better thing is to go on the DL, work hard on my shoulder and see what happens after 15 days.”

Luke Hochevar will take Soria's roster spot. Hochevar will start on Tuesday and Sidney Ponson will move to the bullpen.

“He’s coming off one of his best outings this year,” Hillman said, “so, hopefully, that will help our team win ballgames. We just felt this would (make) our club the strongest in … both in the rotation and in the bullpen.”

Hochevar is 5-0 with an ERA of 0.90 in six starts for Omaha this season.

Jose Contreras sent to minors

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen has decided to send pitcher Jose Contreras to the minors.

Clayton Richard will start Wednesday in place of Contreras.

Contreras is 0-5 with an ERA of 8.19 in six games.

"Good deal,'' [Richard] said when told he would start Wednesday. "Coming up last year and my whole career has been starting, I'm comfortable with that role. Any time you get an opportunity, you want to make the most of it and hopefully go out there and do what I'm capable of - but really just put the team in a position to win.''

"His work ethic is second to none, and to see him struggling is tough,'' he said. "He'll figure it out. It's just a matter of time before he gets it clicking.''

Last year, Richard, who is 25 years old, made eight starts. This year, Richard has an ERA of 4.41 in 11 relief appearances.

The Hot Corner, 5/10 (PM) edition

Mets manager Jerry Manuel, who was suspended for yesterday's game, enjoyed the view from the sky box with GM Omar Minaya and Jeff Wilpon. "It was a good game to watch," Manuel said Sunday morning. "It's a spectacular view they got up there. It was nice, very nice. The ballpark looks completely different up there."

Dodgers owner Frank McCourt is furious with Manny Ramirez, who was suspended for 50 games for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. McCourt has demanded that Ramirez speak to the team.

Rick Morrissey of the Chicago Tribune asks whether Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee deserves to be booed in early May?

From now on, the Florida Marlins will play in Landshark Stadium - not Dolphins Stadium - due to its partnership with Jimmy Buffett, who owns Land Shark Lager.

Royals closer Joakim Soria has soreness in his right shoulder.

As Mark Feinsand of the Daily News points out, it's too bad Yankees starter Joba Chamberlain couldn't start every game in the second inning. Joba had another rough first inning, after which he settled down.

Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt got his first win of the season as the 'Stros swept their series with the San Diego Padres.

The New York Metropolitans have now won seven straight games with their 8-4 win over the Pirates.

The Houston Astros have re-signed second baseman Jason Smith after designating him for assignment on May 6th.

Detroit Tigers 20-year-old pitcher Rick Porcello had his second strong outing in a row by only allowing one run in five innings against the Indians.

Joe Saunders says A-Rod's All-Star days are "over"

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Joe Saunders is no fan of Alex Rodriguez (or Manny Ramirez).

Of A-Rod's future as an All-Star, "it's over for him," Saunders said.

"I think the fans do care," Saunders said. "Pretty much everybody wants a game without cheating."

Perhaps with Evan Longoria being as good as he is and many fans (and Saunders) hating A-Rod, the days of A-Rod being penciled in during spring training as the A.L. All-Star starting third baseman may be over.

But the number of players that have "cheated" the game is too large to single out specific players. A-Rod will be an All-Star in 2010.