Monday's action is highlighted by Hanley Ramirez getting pulled from the game in the second inning after booting a grounder, and then counting the blades of grass as he took his time going after the ball, thus allowing two runs to score, and Tony Abreu ending up at third base. It is being reported that Hanley injured his ankle and that is why he was pulled from the game. I don't think manager Fredi Gonzalez would have lectured Hanley because he injured his ankle.
Here are more thoughts after reviewing Monday's boxscores:
Indians SS Asdrubal Escobar injured his left forearm after colliding with teammate Jonny Peralta. The Indians pulled AAA SS Jason Donald from Monday's game, so he should be with the team on Tuesday.
The Giants placed outfielder Mark DeRosa on the DL retroactive to May 9th with a wrist injury, and could return to the Giants lineup next Tuesday. Wrist injuries usually take longer to heal, so I wouldn't expect DeRosa back next week. The Giants recalled Eugenio Velez from AAA Fresno.
Reds starter Johnny Cueto pitched his second straight gem on Monday, limiting the Brewers to one run on 7 hits in 7 innings, while striking out 7. His ERA is now down to 3.67. The Reds are on a serious roll and they are doing it with solid outings from their starters.
Don't look now, but David Ortiz is heating up. He hit his 7th HR of the season off of Phil Hughes, and is now hitting .238 for the season. He has hit in 8 of his last 9 games, and has had at least 2 hits in 5 of those 8 games.
The Yankees fielded an outfield of Brett Gardner, Randy Winn and Marcus Thames on Monday vs the Red Sox. I think the Pirates have a better outfield than the Yankees do.
Yankees DH Nick Johnson will have surgery on his right wrist and could be out until July. How soon before Brian Cashman calls Astros GM Ed Wade asking about Lance Berkman. Berkman would be a perfect fit hitting in Yankee Stadium. Makes too much sense.Now, Wade's asking price is another story.
More thoughts on Carlos Santana. Corey Hart, Drew Storen and Jonathan Papelbon after the jump:
Carlos Santana Watch-Indians catching prospect Carlos Santana hit 2 HRs and drove in 5 runs on Monday night. He now has 9 HRs and 37 RBIs for the season. Indians catcher Lou Marson is hitting .215-.287-.266 for the season. He will be Santana's backup come June.
Phillies slugger Ryan Howard had 3 hits, including his 7th HR-a grand slam-and drove in 6 runs. His BA is up to .299, and now has 31 RBIs. Howard has cut down on his strikeouts this season, as he is striking out once every four at bats vs once every three at bats last season.
Diamondbacks starter Edwin Jackson hurled his best game of the season, shutting out the Marlins for 8 innings, and striking out 12 batters. He allowed only 4 hits and 2 walks. He was just what the DBacks needed allowing their bullpen to take the night off.
Brewers outfielder Corey Hart was probably drafted very late in mixed league drafts this year, and he is making those owners look good as he is quietly having a very good season. Hart hit 2 HRs vs the Reds on Monday, giving him 7 for the season, and is now hitting .287-.365-.564.
Orioles outfielder Corey Patterson went 1-2 with a walk, 3 runs scored and 2 SBs vs the Royals on Monday. Since getting called up last week, Patterson is hitting .318-.423-.500. Those desperate for SBs can look to Patterson to stel a few bags while he stays in the Orioles lineup.
Nationals closer-of-the-future Drew Storen made his first major league appearance vs the Cardinals and struck out one in 2/3rds of an inning of work. Why did Jim Riggleman bring in closer Matt Capps in the 8th inning of a game where he is losing 4-2? Capps proceeded to give up 2 runs on 3 hits and failed to get out of the 8th inning.
Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon was asked to protect a 2 run lead in the 9th after the Red Sox had rallied from a 6-1 deficit to lead 9-7. Papelbon proceeded to serve up two 2-run HRs to Alex Rodriguez and Marcus Thames. Red Sox GM Theo Epstein has to be close to making a move to shake up his team.
ESPN's Keith Law had this to say on his Twitter account after Papelbon's implosion:
Someone should explain this to Papelbon in language he can understand: "Fastball go boom."#redsox #yankees