Times wires
Friday, May 13, 2011
ATLANTA — His eyes red and voice wavering, Roger McDowell returned as the Braves' pitching coach Friday and apologized for his crude conduct that led to a suspension. He spent a "very humbling" two weeks away from the game and promised there will be no repeat of such actions.
"I've always said this is the best office in the world," McDowell said. "When I put the uniform back on, I felt how fortunate I am to be able to put this uniform on and represent the organization."
McDowell apologized in his statement "to anyone who was offended by my actions," and he answered questions.
"I am not proud of the way I acted, and I know that it will not happen again," he said.
McDowell had issued an apology in a statement after the confrontation April 23.
The suspension by MLB came after a fan made McDowell's actions public. Justin Quinn was at the Braves-Giants game in San Francisco with his wife and 9-year-old twin daughters. He said he saw McDowell ask three men, "Are you guys a homo couple or a threesome?"
Quinn said the coach made lewd sexual gestures with his hips and a bat. Quinn said he shouted, "Hey, there are kids out here." According to Quinn, McDowell said kids don't belong at a baseball park, picked up a bat, walked up to Quinn and asked him, "How much are your teeth worth?"
McDowell said he has apologized to Quinn's family and is in sensitivity training.
More Braves: RHP Brandon Beachy left his start against the Phillies with an injured left side.
Hamilton takes BP: Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton took batting practice for the first time since injuring his right shoulder in April. The 2010 AL MVP will hit in the cage for the next few days then have a CT scan next week to determine how well the shoulder is healing. OF Nelson Cruz, out with a strained right quad since May 7, also took batting practice and will test his leg this weekend. Meanwhile, CF Julio Borbon left in the seventh inning against the Angels with a strained left hamstring.
Astros sale: Owner Drayton McLane is "very confident" he will be able to complete the sale of his team to businessman Jim Crane, but they are still working on finalizing the deal.
Blue Jays: DH Adam Lind sat with a sore back against the Twins and is day to day.
Indians: OF Grady Sizemore missed his third straight game because of a bruised right knee.
Mariners: RH closer David Aardsma will not need elbow surgery to repair a strained ligament. … RH reliever Jeff Gray was claimed off waivers from the White Sox.
Marlins: RHP Javier Vazquez was reinstated from the bereavement list and is scheduled to pitch Sunday against the Nationals. OF Logan Morrison, who missed 21 games because of a strained arch in his left foot, returned from the 15-day DL.
Orioles: LHP Brian Matusz (strained rib cage muscle) had a 45-pitch bullpen session and is scheduled to start for Class-A Frederick on Monday.
Reds: 3B Scott Rolen (left shoulder and neck) was activated off the 15-day DL, and INF Scott Valaika was optioned to Triple-A Louisville.
Rockies: 3B Ty Wigginton, who has been battling a strained oblique, was activated off the DL, and INF Ian Stewart was sent to Triple-A Colorado Springs.
Tigers: OF Magglio Ordonez went on the 15-day DL, retroactive to Wednesday, because of weakness in his surgically repaired right ankle. The contract of OF Andy Dirks was bought from Triple-A Toledo.
Twins: LF Delmon Young was activated from the 15-day DL after recovering from a strained left oblique. OF Rene Tosoni was sent to Triple-A Rochester to make room on the 25-man roster.
Yankees: To add relief depth, RHP Hector Noesi was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and RHP Buddy Carlyle was optioned to Triple A.