Top News:
Mark Feinsand / NY Daily News:
Yankees bringing Wang back early — Chien-Ming Wang will be back with the Yankees for Friday night's game against the Phillies. — After Joba Chamberlain's first-inning knee injury drained the bullpen on Thursday night, the Yankees ordered Wang - who was on his way to Pawtucket …
RELATED:
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Wang returns to Yanks, will work in relief — Albaladejo optioned to Triple-A to make room on roster — Chien-Ming Wang has made a U-turn and is in New York on Friday night as a long reliever for the Yankees as they begin a three-game set against the Phillies at Yankee Stadium.
Erik Boland / E-Boland and the Bombers:Wang in bullpen; Bruney unavailable
Discussion:
Ken Davidoff's baseball …
Haggs / Hacks with Haggs:
Gammons: Sox have discussed a Delcarmen for Johnson swap with Nationals — Here's a transcript of ESPN's Peter Gammons during his regular Friday morning visit with the Mike and Mike Show on ESPN radio. There is some good stuff in here, including: —A clear denial that Indians players Victor Martiner and Cliff are on the market.
RELATED:
Roger Rubin / NY Daily News:
Yanks, Phils & Sox in Amazin' rivalry reversal — BOSTON - They don't play in the same division or even the same league, but there is no question the Mets and Yankees have a rivalry of sorts. They try to outbid each other for free agents. They try to outdo each other for the New York spotlight.
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Paul heads to DL, Hoffman promoted — Injury forces Dodgers to call up rookie outfielder — LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers are expected to make a roster move Friday according to published reports, promoting Triple-A outfielder Jamie Hoffman to replace Xavier Paul.
RELATED:
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Dodgers' callup to the rescue, like dad — LOS ANGELES — Jamie Hoffman, called up Friday to replace the injured Xavier Paul, is the son of Rich Hoffman, sheriff of Brown County, Minn., who has been in the news lately a lot more than his son. — The elder Hoffman has been on the lookout …
Discussion:
Dodger Thoughts
Ben Nicholson-Smith / MLB Rumors:
Orioles Release Adam Eaton — 4:22pm: According to the Baltimore Sun it's official- Eaton's been released. As the Sun points out, Eaton only completed five innings in two of his eight starts this year. Albers will get the call to join the O's. — 3:34pm: As Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports, the Orioles will relase Adam Eaton.
RELATED:
Mike Rutsey / Toronto Sun:
Struggling Snider earns a ticket to triple-A — BOSTON — The Travis Snider experiment is over for now. — The 21-year-old power-hitting left fielder, who slugged his way on to the Blue Jays in spring training and opened the regular season with a rush, last night was packing his bags and headed to triple-A Las Vegas.
RELATED:
Tim Kurkjian / MLB:
Looking on the bright side in Washington — Believe it or not, the Washington Nationals have good reason to be optimistic — The Nationals made history again this week: They tied a major league record by losing six straight games while scoring at least five runs in each game.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Rangers activate Francisco, place Padilla on DL … HOUSTON (AP) — The Texas Rangers have activated closer Frank Francisco and sent right-handed starter Vicente Padilla to the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder injury. — Francisco will be available for Friday night's interleague series opener against the Houston Astros.
RELATED:
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:Texas Rangers want Josh Hamilton back as soon as possible
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Chicagosports / Hardball:
Harden goes on Cubs DL with back strain — SAN DIEGO- The Cubs placed Rich Harden on the 15-day disabled list with a back strain on Friday, and inserted Randy Wells into the rotation for Saturday's game. — Harden felt a twinge in his last outing last Sunday, and in a subsequent side session this week in St. Louis.
ESPN.com:
Tampa Bay Rays place Scott Kazmir, Troy Percival on DL — MIAMI — Scott Kazmir is out for at least a couple of weeks, and Troy Percival's career may be over. — Both pitchers were placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday by the Tampa Bay Rays before the start of their series against the Florida Marlins.
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer …
Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com:
Martinez sent down after first game — Right-hander takes loss in first Major League appearance — MIAMI — Cristhian Martinez's first stint in the Major Leagues was a short one. — After making his first big league appearance on Thursday — when he gave up a go-ahead homer to D-backs …
Discussion:
Bottom9 Baseball
Bob Raissman / NY Daily News:
Raissman: Off field, meanies are in play — The combination of the Yankees' Fun Bunch and the team's winning ways has provided the perfect antidote to high ticket prices and empty seats. Why bash Bombers brass over business affairs when the media can celebrate the latest pin-striped hero …
Troy E. Renck / Denver Post:
Hurdle: A manager on the hot seat — GM O'Dowd gives his manager the benefit of the doubt for now — Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd says it's unfair to blame manager Clint Hurdle, above, for all the inept play. (Getty Images file photo) — ATLANTA — With each loss, manager Clint Hurdle's job is becoming more tenuous.
