Times wires
Friday, April 22, 2011
ARLINGTON, Texas — Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton is able to run and throw as he recovers from a broken right shoulder that is expected to sideline the reigning AL MVP for up to two months.
Swinging a bat is still out for the left-handed hitter because of the stress it would put on the shoulder.
"He's feeling better. His biggest problem is finishing," manager Ron Washington said of Hamilton's swing. "As far as all his other movements, it's great. But the finish is the thing."
Hamilton, a former top Rays prospect, refused to speculate on a timetable for his return.
"I'm not going to say ahead of schedule or behind schedule or anything," Hamilton said Friday. "The more I can use (the shoulder) in everyday life and try to get back to normal, the better it's going to be, the faster (the recovery is) going to be."
Hamilton was hurt April 12 at Detroit when he tagged up and tried to score from third on a foul popup. Hamilton slid headfirst into the plate. Texas won only two of its first eight games after the injury.
Angels: Reliever Scott Downs was put on the 15-day disabled list because of a gastrointestinal virus caused by food poisoning. This is the 10th time the 12-year veteran has been on the DL.
Brewers: 1B Prince Fielder, who will be a free agent after this season, said he is ecstatic LF Ryan Braun received a $105 million, five-year contract extension and hopes the organization will make an effort to sign him to a long-term deal, too. "I'm proud of Braunie. He's an unbelievable player, and now he's just superrich," Fielder said. "I hope they have a little left for me."
Dodgers: GM Ned Colletti is operating under the same budgetary guidelines he had before MLB seized control of the team and said he reports to owner Frank McCourt until an administrator is appointed by commissioner Bud Selig. The organization has been consumed by infighting since Frank's wife, Jamie McCourt, filed for divorce in October 2009, one week after he fired her as chief executive. … RHP Vicente Padilla was activated from the 15-day DL. Padilla, who had surgery on his right arm in February to free a nerve trapped by a muscle, will be in the bullpen.
Mariners: LF Milton Bradley left the game vs. Oakland in the third inning because of lower-back spasms.
Mets: CF Angel Pagan went on the 15-day DL because of a strained left oblique.
Reds: 3B Scott Rolen had two cortisone injections to relieve pain and stiffness in his left shoulder and neck, and was not in the starting lineup against the Cardinals. There is no timetable for his return. … Reliever Jared Burton had arthroscopic shoulder surgery and is sidelined indefinitely.
Jurisprudence: Former Royals OF Brian McRae was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence near Overland Park, Kan. McRae, son of former Royals great Hal McRae, has faced two previous DUI citations, the Kansas City Star reported. A judge cleared him of one in 2000, and one in 2004 led to a conviction.