BY ADAM RONIS
Good new for B.J. Ryan owners. The Blue Jays said he is now available to pitch on consecutive days, but he won't pitch more than one inning. He has been good so far.
The Brewers said Eric Gagne is still the closer despite him being very inconsistent and blowing five saves. There's no obvious alternative on the staff. Guillermo Mota is walking too many batters, Salomon Torres pitches better as a setup man, Derrick Turnbow was released and David Riske hasn't pitched well.
Nick Swisher has struggled mightily for the White Sox. He was moved from the leadoff spot to No. 6 in the order tonight. Swisher entered in a 8-for-55 (.145) slump. He is hitting .210 with three homers and eight RBIs. Carlos Quentin was moved to the No. 2 spot and Orlando Cabrera is leading off.
The Tigers also shuffled their lineup tonight. Gary Sheffield was moved to sixth, Carlos Guillen is batting third and Ivan Rodriguez is batting ninth.
Jimmy Rollins started his rehab today and went 4-for-4 with two RBIs in an extended spring training game as he rebounds from a sprained left ankle. He should be activated Thursday.
The Tigers designated Jacques Jones for assignment. He hit .165 in 79 at-bats. Matt Joyce was recalled from Triple-A and started tonight against the Red Sox.
Orlando Hudson is back in the starting lineup against the Phillies after missing two games with a hamstring injury.
Comments (2)
I kind of like Swisher in the 6 hole...
Do you think this change will get him going? Do you still have faith in Swisher?
I think it should help his RBI total, but he has to hit first. The White Sox offense has been awful. I still have faith in Swisher. He has legit power and should turn it around. He's not an average guy anyway.