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Kansas City Royals

8/15/2006

Doug Mientkiewicz, kan

On Monday, Mientkiewicz missed his 15th game since going on the disabled list July 31, retroactive to July 26. Mientkiewicz hit about 50 pitches in the cage before the Kansas City Royals' game on Monday, and then took some light batting practice and fielding work. There's no date for a possible return.

8/13/2006

Luke Hudson, kan

Hudson allowed 11 runs in 1-3 of an inning on Sunday in the Kansas City Royals' 13-0 loss to the Cleveland Indians. Hudson walked three and gave up a grand slam in that span.

David DeJesus, kan

With a single in the first inning on Sunday, DeJesus extended his streak of reaching base safely to 19 games. The Cleveland Indians center fielder is hitting .308 (24-for-78) with nine RBIs and eight walks during this stretch.

8/7/2006

Mike Sweeney, kan

Sweeney, who is rehabbing with Triple-A Omaha, went 1-for-3 with a walk and a RBI double on Sunday. Sweeney, who went on the disabled list May 2 with a bulging disc, could be activated by Tuesday.

8/2/2006

Reggie Sanders, kan

Sanders homered in his first at-bat since coming off the 15-day disabled list. IHe was 2-for-4 with two driven in for the game for the Royals.

Scott Elarton, kan

Elarton had season-ending surgery on his shoulder to repair his labrum. This is the second surgery on Elarton's shoulder since 2002. The team is hoping to have him back by mid-June, although admit that could be pushing it.

8/1/2006

Doug Mientkiewicz, kan

Doug Mientkiewicz was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 26, with a low back strain.

Brandon Duckworth, kan

Duckworth was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Monday with soreness in his elbow. He exited after 1 2-3 innings of relief on Sunday.

7/31/2006

Scott Dohmann, kan

The Rockies traded Dohmann to the Kansas City Royals on Monday.

Ryan Shealy, kan

The Rockies traded Shealy to the Kansas City Royals on Monday.

7/27/2006

Andres Blanco, kan

The Royals recalled Blanco from Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday. Blanco, who was hitting .235 with two home runs and 20 RBIs in 82 games with Omaha, will take the roster spot of infielder Tony Graffanino, who was traded Tuesday to the Milwaukee Brewers.

7/26/2006

Jorge de la Rosa, kan

De la Rosa was traded by the Brewers to the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday for infielder Tony Graffanino.

7/25/2006

Odalis Perez, kan

The Dodgers dealt pitcher Perez to the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday, nearly two weeks after saying they had no plans to trade the disgruntled left-hander. Perez, a former 15-game winner who spent much of the season in the bullpen due to ineffectiveness, accused the Dodgers of treating him like "trash" on July 13 after he gave up a game-winning home run to Albert Pujols in St. Louis.

7/23/2006

Joel Peralta, kan

Peralta was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Saturday when outfielder Shane Costa was recalled by the Royals.

Shane Costa, kan

The Royals recalled Costa from Triple-A Omaha on Saturday. The 24-year-old outfielder was hitting .381 with eight homers and 19 RBIs in 30 games for Omaha.

7/22/2006

Reggie Sanders, kan

Sanders was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday with a right thigh strain. The move is retroactive to July 16. "They did an MRI and found some bleeding in a hot spot there," Royals manager Buddy Bell said. "He wouldn't be available, at best, until the middle of next week. This only puts him out there four or five more days, because he is eligible to come off next Sunday."

Runelvys Hernandez, kan

Hernandez was called up from Triple-A Omaha to start Friday's 8-3 victory over the Royals. The right-hander pitched 7 1-3 innings allowing five hits, three walks and striking out six to earn the win.

7/20/2006

Mark Redman, kan

Redman's six-game winning streak was snapped in the Royals' 1-0 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday. The left-hander allowed just one run and struck out nine over eight innings, but was outdueled by Boston's Josh Beckett.

7/18/2006

Scott Elarton, kan

The Royals placed Elarton on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with a right shoulder strain.

7/16/2006

Doug Mientkiewicz, kan

Mientkiewicz returned to the lineup Sunday after missing three games with a sore back.

7/14/2006

Esteban Yan, kan

Yan was designated for assignment Friday, part of the Cincinnati Reds' emphatic bullpen makeover. Yan was obtained from the Angels for a minor leaguer on May 30, part of a series of moves to try to improve one of the major leagues' worst bullpens. Yan pitched in 14 games for the Reds, going 1-0 with one save and a 3.60 ERA.

Joe Nelson, kan

Nelson was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday. The 31-year-old right-hander went 0-0 with a 2.03 ERA in 12 games for the Royals, but allowed a two-run homer to the Toronto Blue Jays' Bengie Molina his last time out in Kansas City's 11-3 loss Sunday.

7/8/2006

Paul Bako, kan

Bako was placed on the 15-day disabled list by Kansas City on Friday with a partially torn right oblique muscle. He suffered the injury during batting practice on Thursda. The backup catcher was hitting .30 with seven RBIs in 34 games.

7/4/2006

Mike Wood, kan

The Royals placed Wood on the 15-day disabled list Monday with back inflammation. Manager Buddy Bell said right-hander Luke Hudson will take Wood's spot in the rotation, becoming the 13th starter used by Kansas City before the All-Star break.

7/3/2006

Mark Redman, kan

Kansas City's Redman was selected to his first All-Star team on Sunday as a starting pitcher for the American League. Redman is 5-4 with a 5.59 ERA this season.

7/1/2006

Luke Hudson, kan

The Royals purchased Hudson's contract from Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

Bobby Keppel, kan

The Royals optioned Keppel to Triple-A Omaha on Friday and purchased the contract of right-hander Luke Hudson.

6/27/2006

Odalis Perez, kan

Perez will start Wednesday against Minnesota in place of Brett Tomko, who has a strained left oblique muscle. The left-handed Perez is 4-2 in 14 appearances this season, including seven starts, with a 6.33 ERA. Perez struggled in his last start on June 7 allowing seven runs and 11 hits over 3 2-3 innings of a 9-7 loss to the New York Mets.

6/25/2006

Mike Sweeney, kan

Sweeney, out since May 2 with a bulging disc, said he plans to start a rehab assignment next week at Double-A Wichita. The Kansas City first baseman has been plagued with back problems for several years. "I'm going to get 20-to-25 at-bats in and then come back," said Sweeney, who hopes to return to the big leagues around July 2. "Our team has been playing great lately and I'd love to help pitch in."

6/14/2006

Odalis Perez, kan

Perez was moved to the bullpen by the Dodgers after they called up Chad Billingsley from Triple-A Las Vegas.

6/10/2006

Reggie Sanders, kan

Sanders hit his 300th career home run Saturday in the Kansas City Royals' 9-5 loss to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. His two-run shot in the ninth inning off Chad Harville made him the fifth player in Major League history to amass 300 career homers and 300 stolen bases. Barry Bonds, Willie Mays, Andre Dawson and Bobby Bonds are the others.

Jorge de la Rosa, kan

De La Rose was put on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday after developing a blister in the middle of his left hand on Friday. The Milwaukee Brewers pitcher is 2-2 with a 8.60 ERA.

6/5/2006

Mark Redman, kan

Redman got his first win in 17 starts on Sunday against the Seattle Mariners. The Kansas City Royals' southpaw pitched 5 2-3 innings against the Mariners, giving up four runs and eight hits. He is 1-4 this season in eight starts with a 6.80 ERA.

5/30/2006

Esteban Yan, kan

The Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday acquired Yan from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for minor league reliever Kyle Edens. Joining his seventh team, the right-hander failed to pick up a decision while working to a 6.85 ERA in 13 relief appearances for the Angels this season.

5/28/2006

Seth Etherton, kan

Etherton was acquired by the Kansas City Royals on Sunday from the San Diego Padres in exchange for a player to be named later or cash. The right-hander is expected to start for the Royals against the Oakland Athletics on Monday. He spent the 2005 season with the A's, earning a 1-1 mark with a 6.62 ERA in 17 2-3 innings over three starts.

5/26/2006

Esteban Yan, kan

Yan was designated for assignment by the Angels on Friday. He has a 6.85 ERA in 22 1-3 innings over 13 relief appearances this season for Los Angeles.

5/5/2006

Reggie Sanders, kan

Sanders left the Royals' Thursday night game against Minnesota with a tight left hamstring. Mark Teahen pinch-hit for him in the top of the third, and Emil Brown took his place in right. Sanders had chased Tony Batista's double down the line rather gingerly in the bottom of the second.

5/3/2006

Reggie Sanders, kan

Sanders stole the 300th base of his career Monday, and he is just four shy of reaching the same plateau for home runs. Only four players have reached 300 in both categories, and two of them are named Bonds. The other two are Willie Mays and Andre Dawson. Both Sanders and Steve Finley (298 homers) could join the exclusive club in 2006.

Mike Sweeney, kan

According to the Kansas City Royals' Web site, Sweeney has a bulging cervical disc that he originally felt while running out a grounder in Monday night's 3-2 loss to Detroit. Reportedly he is out indefinitely, though the Royals' Web site notes the disc isn't the same one that forced him out of 54 games in 2003 and 56 more the following season. He is headed for the disabled list.

4/30/2006

Esteban German, kan

German left Sunday's game against Oakland in the sixth inning after being hit in the mouth by a fly ball. German, the second Royals center fielder to leave a game early in as many days, appeared to misjudge Nick Swisher's drive to left-center. The ball missed his glove, hit him in the face and rolled along the wall as German lay on the warning track.

4/29/2006

Shane Costa, kan

Costa was placed on the 15-day disabled list by Kansas City on Saturday, leaving the Royals without their top two center fielders. David DeJesus is out with strained left hamstring, as is Costa. He hurt himself running out a double in Friday night's 5-3 loss to Oakland. Kerry Robinson was called up from Triple-A Omaha to replace Costa in the starting lineup.

4/23/2006

Runelvys Hernandez, kan

Hernandez will be recalled from Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday to make his first start of the season against the Minnesota Twins. The Kansas City starter reported to training camp overweight and was sent to the minors. The right-hander was 1-2 with a 10.67 ERA in three starts with Omaha.

4/19/2006

David DeJesus, kan

DeJesus left Tuesday's game against the Chicago White Sox with tightness in his left hamstring. The Royals' center fielder may have been injured running out a groundball in the first inning of Kansas City's 4-1 loss. He was in the outfield for the bottom of the first, but was replaced by Shane Costa in the second.

Zack Greinke, kan

Greinke, who left the Royals on Feb. 25 to deal with personal issues, has reported to the team's extended spring training in Surprise, Ariz. He was 5-17 with a 5.80 ERA in 33 starts last season. The 22-year-old right-hander reported on Tuesday, so he's far from being ready for major league action.

4/16/2006

Mark Redman, kan

Redman was reinstated from the 15-day disabled list to start Sunday's game at Tampa Bay. The Kansas City left-hander, who had been out with a left knee injury, made two minor league rehab starts at Double-A Wichita and allowed two runs and six hits in 10 innings.

4/2/2006

Zack Greinke, kan

Greinke was placed on the 60-day disabled list Saturday as the Kansas City Royals made their final roster moves before Monday's season opener. The right-handed pitcher can't rejoin the Royals before mid-June. "When he does get back, it will be like he has to start with spring training all over again," Royals GM Allan Baird said.

3/29/2006

Mike Sweeney, kan

Sweeney, who has been out since March 9 with a bone bruise in his left leg, returned to spring training action Tuesday. The Royals' star contributed an RBI single in the seventh inning of a 6-4 Kansas City win over Milwaukee.

3/28/2006

Runelvys Hernandez, kan

Hernandez will begin the new season on the 15-day disabled list because of concerns about his weight and stamina. The Royals' right-hander reported to camp overweight and hasn't been effective in his spring outings.

3/27/2006

Runelvys Hernandez, kan

Hernandez, who was expected to be the No. 2 guy in the Kansas City rotation this season, probably will start 2006 at Triple-A Omaha. The 25-year-old right-hander made his way back from Tommy John surgery in 2005, but he reported to camp overweight and hasn't pitched effectively. He will be the Royals' fifth starter, but that slot won't be needed until mid-April.

3/23/2006

Mike Sweeney, kan

Sweeney, who has been out two weeks with a bone bruise in his left ankle, is tentatively scheduled to take batting practice Friday. The Kansas City Star is reporting that if all goes well on Friday, the Royals' best hitter could begin playing exhibition games again on Saturday.

Mark Redman, kan

Royals team officials say Redman is ahead of schedule in his recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery. The 32-year-old left-hander told The Kansas City Star that he expects to be ready when the Royals need a fifth starter for the first time on April 14, but the team officials believe a return later in April is more likely.

3/20/2006

Ambiorix Burgos, kan

With Kansas City closer Mike MacDougal out for roughly a month with a muscle strain in his throwing arm, Royals manager Buddy Bell said Burgos will serve as the team's closer. Burgos saved two games in 2005, when he was 3-5 with a 3.98 ERA in 59 relief appearances.

3/17/2006

Mark Redman, kan

Redman, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on March 6, isn't certain to be ready by April 14, the date the Kansas City Royals would need a fifth starter for the first time. The Royals are preparing to have other options, such as right-hander Mike Wood.

Mike Wood, kan

With Zack Greinke still out facing personal issues and Mark Redman rehabbing from knee surgery, there's a good chance Wood will move into the Royals' starting rotation for the start of the season. The likelihood of that happening has increased, as it appears Redman won't be ready to return by April 14, the date the Royals would need a fifth starter for the first time.

Zack Greinke, kan

Greinke remains at his Florida home, where he has been since leaving the Kansas City Royals' camp in late February to resolve some personal issues. There still is no timetable for his return to the Royals, as general manager Allard Baird made it clear that the right-hander's top priority is not baseball at this time. Baird said he expects Greinke back at some point, but exactly when is unknown.

3/14/2006

Mike Sweeney, kan

The Kansas City Star is reporting that Sweeney will miss at least two weeks with a bone bruise in his left ankle. The Royals' DH-first baseman is expected to wear a boot on his left foot for the next two weeks to limit the movement of his ankle. Reportedly the injury has been building during the spring and can't be pinned to a specific event on the field.

3/7/2006

Mark Redman, kan

Redman underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Monday to fix a lateral cartilage tear. The Kansas City Star is reporting that the Royals' left-hander is likely to miss four to six weeks. He will re-evaluated next week, and more should be known about his pending return at that time.

3/6/2006

Mark Redman, kan

Redman, who experienced swelling in his left knee after a two-inning start on Thursday, has returned to Kansas City to have the knee examined by Royals team physician Steve Joyce. The Royals' left-hander was expected to start on Monday, but the swelling has not subsided.

3/1/2006

Zack Greinke, kan

The Kansas City Star is reporting that the Royals are "bracing for a long absence" by Greinke, who left their spring training camp facing personal issues. Several sources have told The Star that the 22-year-old right-hander is dealing with "ongoing emotional issues." There is no timetable for Greinke's return, and manager Buddy Bell doesn't expect him to be on the Opening Day roster.

2/27/2006

Zack Greinke, kan

Greinke has left Kansas City's spring training camp to attend to personal matters. The 22-year-old right-hander headed home to Orlando, and there's no indication from the Royals as to how long he will be away. He struggled through a 5-17 season in 2005, posting a 5.80 ERA in 33 starts.

2/8/2006

Emil Brown, kan

Brown came out on top over the Kansas City Royals Thursday in the second salary arbitration hearing of the year. The 31-year-old outfielder will get his desired $1,775,000 rather than the team's proposed $1.4 million.

1/17/2006

Runelvys Hernandez, kan

Hernandez avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract with Kansas City on Tuesday. Terms were not disclosed. Hernandez set career-highs in wins, starts and innings pitched in 2005. The right-hander finished 8-14 with a 5.52 ERA in 29 starts.

12/28/2005

Reggie Sanders, kan

Sanders agreed to a two-year contract with the Kansas City Royals, reportedly in the vicinity of $10 million.

12/7/2005

Mark Redman, kan

The Pittsburgh Pirates have traded Redman to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for minor league pitcher Jonah Bayliss and a player to be named later. The left-hander, who turns 32 in January, struggled last season, going 5-15 with a 4.90 ERA and two complete games in 30 starts. Redman is slated to earn $4.5 million in 2006.

D.J. Carrasco, kan

Carrasco, who plans to pursue a career in Japan, has been released by the Kansas City Royals. The 28-year-old right-hander appeared in 21 games with the Royals last season, making 20 starts. In those contests, he posted a 6-8 record, 4.79 ERA and one complete game.

11/3/2005

Mark Redman, kan

On Wednesday, Redman exercised his $4.5 million option to return to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2006. The team had declined its $4.95 option in October. The 31-year-old left-hander was 5-15 with a 4.90 ERA in 30 starts in 2005.

11/1/2005

Doug Mientkiewicz, kan

The Mets declined to exercise a $4 million option on Mientkiewicz for 2006, opting to pay a $450,000 buyout instead.

10/21/2005

Bobby Madritsch, kan

The Kansas City Royals claimed Madritsch off waivers from the Seattle Mariners on Friday. The 29-year-old lefthander started one game in early April before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury that is likely to require offseason surgery for a torn labrum.

10/16/2005

Justin Huber, kan

Huber sprained his Achilles tendon in an Arizona Fall League game, and the Kansas City prospect has been replaced on the Surprise Scorpions roster by Alex Gordon. Early reports suggest the injury will not jeopardize Huber's readiness to compete for a starting job with the Royals in the spring. The catcher-first baseman enjoyed a solid season in the minors, batting .326 with 23 home runs and 97 RBI in 120 games between Double-A Wichita and Triple-A Omaha.

10/15/2005

Reggie Sanders, kan

Although Sanders announced yesterday that he would be ready to go for Saturday's Game 3 of the NLCS, Cardinals manager Tony La Russa did not include Sanders in the starting lineup. Sanders suffered a neck injury and a lower back strain on an attempted leaping catch in Game 2. It's possible that Sanders will be available for a pinch-hitting role, but will likely see no action.

10/14/2005

Reggie Sanders, kan

Despite straining his lower back while attempting to make a leaping catch in Game 2 of the NLCS, Sanders has stated that he will play in Game 3. Sanders said he was experiencing pain in the back of his neck, but with the urgency of the playoffs on the line, he would be ready to play by Saturday.

10/13/2005

Reggie Sanders, kan

Sanders powered a two-run homer in the first inning of Wednesday's Game 1 of the NLCS, giving the St. Louis Cardinals a lead they wouldn't relinquish. The Cardinals' left fielder now has 12 RBI in just four postseason games this month. He managed just 13 RBI in 56 postseason contests prior to the 2005 campaign.

10/2/2005

Bobby Madritsch, kan

After suffering a torn labrum in his left shoulder back in April, Madritsch is now scheduled to have surgery in the off-season. It's possible that the rookie southpaw will be out until next season's All-Star break. This would be the second surgery for Madritsch on his labrum.

9/27/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

After sitting five days with lower back discomfort, Sweeney returned to the Kansas City Royals' lineup Monday and went 2-for-3 in a 5-0 win over Minnesota. He played in his 118th game on Monday, his highest total since 2002, and he's batting .295 with 20 home runs and 78 RBI for the season.

9/26/2005

Odalis Perez, kan

The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Perez on Saturday, in time to make his first start in almost six weeks because of an oblique strain. The lefthander allowed two hits and a run over two innings against Pittsburgh before departing. He took the loss, and he now is 7-8 with a 4.73 ERA in an injury-plagued season.

9/25/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

Sweeney missed his third consecutive game Saturday, although he did take batting practice.

9/23/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

Sweeney was in the Royals' original lineup for Thursday's meeting with the Cleveland Indians, but he was a last-minute scratch after reporting some stiffness in his lower back. He was replaced at first base by Matt Stairs and has been listed as day-to-day.

Mark Teahen, kan

Connecting on a Cliff Lee pitch in the fourth inning of Thursday's loss to the Cleveland Indians, Teahen notched the first grand slam of his major league career. The Royals' third baseman added a single in the contest and now has four hits in his last eight at-bats.

9/21/2005

Mark Grudzielanek, kan

Grudzielanek suffered a mild ankle sprain in a collision at first base on Tuesday night, but the Cardinals' second baseman has experienced a minimal amount of swelling. He expects to be in the St. Louis lineup Wednesday night in Cincinnati.

9/20/2005

David DeJesus, kan

After struggling while taking some swings and exhibiting a limited range of motion in the field during warmups this past weekend, it appears that DeJesus will not return this season. He suffered a sprained right shoulder on August 28 and has not played since.

9/16/2005

David DeJesus, kan

Rehabbing a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder, DeJesus did some throwing on Wednesday, before his Kansas City teammates faced the Chicago White Sox. The Royals' center fielder didn't experience any discomfort, and it's possible he may be able to return in about a week.

9/13/2005

Mark Redman, kan

Redman suffered a fractured left index finger during a bunt attempt against Mark Mulder of the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday. The Pirates' lefthander worked two more innings before giving way to a pinch-hitter because he couldn't grip the ball properly.

9/12/2005

Reggie Sanders, kan

The St. Louis Cardinals activated Sanders from the disabled list Monday, nearly two months after suffering a hairline fracture of the fibula in his right leg. In 78 games this season, Sanders is batting .281 with 18 home runs, 44 RBI and 14 stolen bases.

Odalis Perez, kan

Perez, sidelined since August 18 with a strained right oblique muscle, has played catch several times recently. Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said he hopes Perez will be available as a reliever before the end of the season. There's no timetable for his return.

9/9/2005

D.J. Carrasco, kan

Carrasco won't make his scheduled start against Detroit Saturday because of an ailing right shoulder. The Kansas City starter will return home from Detroit to be examined. Jimmy Gobble will start in place of Carrasco, who is 5-8 with a 4.84 ERA in 20 starts for the Royals this season.

Jimmy Gobble, kan

Gobble, who was very effective in late August as a member of Kansas City's bullpen, will start in place of injured righthander D.J. Carrasco on Saturday. The 24-year-old lefthander will get the call in Detroit, which will be second start of 2005.

9/8/2005

Andres Blanco, kan

The Kansas City Royals have recalled Blanco from Triple-A Omaha. When fellow rookie Donnie Murphy comes off the disabled list this weekend, he and Blanco are expected to platoon at second base for the rest of the season. The 21-year-old Blanco batted .254 with a .331 on-base percentage in 35 games for Omaha.

Donnie Murphy, kan

The Kansas City Royals anticipate activating Murphy from the 15-day disabled list this weekend. The rookie second baseman has been out since mid-August with a fractured right ring finger. He was hitting .182 with one home run and five RBI in 24 games for the Royals when he was injured.

9/7/2005

Runelvys Hernandez, kan

The Kansas City Royals activated Hernandez from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday, which means the Royals' righthander has begun serving his 10-game suspension for inciting a melee with the Detroit Tigers by beaning Carlos Guillen at Comerica Park on July 17. He will be eligible to return to the Royals late next week.

9/3/2005

Doug Mientkiewicz, kan

The Mets activated Mientkiewicz from the 15-day disabled list on Friday. The first baseman, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, is hitting .246 with 11 home runs in 75 games for the Mets this season.

9/2/2005

Runelvys Hernandez, kan

There was good news and bad news for Hernandez on Thursday. An examination by orthopedist Dr. Lewis Yocum established that there is nothing wrong with his throwing shoulder. On the other hand, MLB denied the appeal of his suspension for inciting a melee with the Detroit Tigers by beaning Carlos Guillen at Comerica Park on July 17.

David DeJesus, kan

DeJesus is expected to miss at least the next two weeks with a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder. The Kansas City center fielder lacks range of motion and has a lot of pain in the shoulder.

Leo Nunez, kan

The Kansas City Royals recalled Nunez on Thursday. The 22-year-old rookie, who reached Kansas City in May after starting the 2005 campaign at high Class-A High Desert, was 2-2 with an 8.54 ERA in 33 relief appearances for the Royals earlier in the season.

9/1/2005

Justin Huber, kan

The Kansas City Royals recalled Huber on Thursday. The catcher-first baseman enjoyed a solid season in the minors, batting .326 with 23 home runs and 97 RBI in 120 games between Double-A Wichita and Triple-A Omaha.

8/31/2005

Wilson Valdez, kan

With Khalil Greene returning from the disabled list, the San Diego Padres designated Valdez for assignment on Tuesday. The 27-year-old infielder, who was Seattle's Opening Day shortstop this spring, was 3-for-13 (.231) with two doubles and an RBI in nine games for the Padres. He has batted .201 with a .245 on-base percentage in 51 games between Seattle and San Diego.

Joel Peralta, kan

After the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim acquired lefthander Jason Christiansen in a Tuesday trade with San Francisco, the Angels optioned Peralta to Triple-A Salt Lake to make room for him. In 28 relief appearances for the Angels, the 29-year-old righthander was 1-0 with a 3.89 ERA.

8/30/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

Sweeney awoke with a slight twinge in his lower back on Monday, and the Kansas City Royals chose to be conservative and kept him out of the lineup Monday night. The DH-first baseman's history of back woes probably inspired the conservative approach. Sweeney, who is hitting .300 with 19 home runs and 69 RBI this season, is day-to-day in an effort to avoid a lengthy stint on the sidelines.

Runelvys Hernandez, kan

Hernandez, already on the disabled list because of a strained lower back, is heading to Los Angeles Wednesday to undergo an examination on his shoulder by specialist Dr. Lewis Yocum. The Kansas City Royals had the righthander undergo an MRI exam, and the results will be analyzed by Yocum.

David DeJesus, kan

DeJesus sprained the AC joint in his right shoulder Sunday, making a fine running catch and rolling over on the shoulder. He left the game and sat out Monday's contest against Minnesota. DeJesus is batting .293 with a .359 on-base percentage, 31 doubles, six triples and nine home runs.

Chip Ambres, kan

After David DeJesus severely sprained the AC joint in his right shoulder Sunday, Ambres is in line to get most of the starts in center field for the Kansas City Royals. Ambres is batting .253, though with a more respectable .344 on-base percentage, in 28 games.

8/26/2005

Runelvys Hernandez, kan

Hernandez was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back injury. The Royals recalled J.P. Howell from Triple-A Omaha to start in his stead this Saturday against the New York Yankees.

Donnie Murphy, kan

After fracturing his right ring finger last Wednesday, Murphy was placed on the 15-day disabled list. The 22-year old second basemen was hitting .182 with one home run and five RBI in 24 games this year.

8/24/2005

Odalis Perez, kan

According to Dodgers manager Jim Tracy, Perez likely will need 3-4 weeks of recovery time before he is ready to return to the starting rotation. The lefthander tried to pitch through a strained right oblique muscle in his last start, but allowed six runs on 11 hits -- including two home runs -- in just four innings of work. Edwin Jackson will remain in the rotation for the time being.

8/23/2005

Mark Grudzielanek, kan

Grudzielanek has been responding to treatment and medication, and he should return to the Cardinals' lineup by the end of the week, according to manager Tony La Russa. The second baseman has been sidelined since Saturday with an infection in his left knee.

8/22/2005

Odalis Perez, kan

Perez tried to pitch through a slighly strained right oblique muscle last week, but allowed six runs on 11 hits -- including two home runs -- in just four innings of work. Now, the injury has landed the Dodgers' lefthander on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to August 18. He will be replaced on the roster and in the starting rotation by Edwin Jackson.

Runelvys Hernandez, kan

Hernandez tried to warm up for the third inning of Sunday's meeting with the Oakland A's, but the Royals decided to pull him from the game, due to tightness in his lower back. The righthander, who was replaced on the mound by Shawn Camp, has been listed as day-to-day.

8/21/2005

Mark Grudzielanek, kan

According to Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, Grudzielanek will miss at least a couple of games, due to an infection in his left knee. The second baseman spent Saturday night in the hospital getting treatment for the ailment, and he won't travel with the team for the start of their four-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Odalis Perez, kan

Perez has some lingering discomfort in his side, and the Dodgers have decided to scratch him from his scheduled start on Monday. The lefthander suffered a slightly strained oblique muscle while warming up for last Wednesday's meeting with the Atlanta Braves. He took the mound that night anyway and allowed six runs on 11 hits -- including two home runs -- in just four innings of work. Perez is hopeful that he'll be ready for his next turn in the rotation.

David DeJesus, kan

DeJesus was absent from the Kansas City Royals' lineup for Saturday's game against the Oakland A's after hurting his rib cage the previous night. The injury is considered minor, and the outfielder is expected to return shortly. He is listed as day-to-day.

8/15/2005

Todd Wellemeyer, kan

The Chicago Cubs recalled Wellemeyer from Triple-A Iowa on Sunday. The 26-year-old righthander was 3-2 with a 3.02 ERA in 12 starts at Iowa. He has worked 18 games in relief for the Cubs this season, going 2-1 with a 4.74 ERA and a save.

Wilson Valdez, kan

Valdez, who was Seattle's starting shortstop this season after Pokey Reese went down, has been recalled by the San Diego Padres. The move was made Monday, when the Padres placed starting shortstop Khalil Greene on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured big toe. Valdez was batting .245 in 49 games for San Diego's Triple-A affiliate in Portland. He was a .198 hitter in 42 games with Seattle.

8/12/2005

Odalis Perez, kan

Perez had his longest outing of the 2005 campaign, tossing eight solid innings in Thursday's 5-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. The Dodgers' lefthander gave up one run on five hits and three walks, while finishing with a season-high eight strikeouts.

8/11/2005

Ryan Shealy, kan

With Todd Helton's return from the 15-day disabled list, Shealy has been optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs, opening a spot on the Rockies' roster. The 25-year-old rookie first baseman held his own while filling in for Helton, batting .333 with seven doubles, two home runs and 14 RBI in 23 games.

8/10/2005

Doug Mientkiewicz, kan

Mientkiewicz, who recently missed three weeks with a strained right hamstring, has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the New York Mets yet again, this time with a bruised lower back. The first baseman will be replaced on the roster by infielder Kaz Matsui.

8/9/2005

Mark Grudzielanek, kan

In the Cardinals' 8-4 victory over Milwaukee on Monday, Grudzielanek went 3-for-5 with a home run and a career-high five RBI. The second basemen hit a solo home run in the second inning, doubled in two runs in the fourth inning, and then plated two more runs with a single in the ninth to finish the evening.

8/6/2005

Denny Hocking, kan

The Kansas City Royals purchased Hocking's contract from Triple-A Omaha on Saturday. The utilityman, who was hitting .287 at Triple-A, last appeared in the majors in 2004, hitting just .202 in 55 games with the Colorado Rockies. The 12-year veteran is a career .250 hitter.

Mike Wood, kan

The Kansas City Royals recalled Wood from Triple-A Omaha on Saturday. The pitcher will replace the demoted Kyle Snyder in the Royals' rotation, with his next scheduled start coming Tuesday against the Cleveland Indians. Wood worked out of the bullpen in his earlier stint with Kansas City this season, going 3-4 with a 4.03 ERA in 37 games.

Ruben Gotay, kan

Gotay was sent down to Double-A Wichita by the Kansas City Royals on Saturday. The opening day second baseman for the Royals, Gotay is in a 2-for-28 slump that has dropped his batting average to .227.

Paul Phillips, kan

The Kansas City Royals recalled Phillips from Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

Leo Nunez, kan

The Kansas City Royals sent Nunez down to Double-A Wichita on Saturday. The reliever was 2-2 with an 8.54 ERA in 33 appearances for the Royals this season.

8/5/2005

Mark Redman, kan

Redman received treatment for tightness in his upper back and neck prior to Thursday's meeting with the San Diego Padres, and he took the mound despite feeling less than 100 percent. It probably wasn't a good idea, however, as the Pirates' lefthander surrendered six earned runs on seven hits in just 2.1 innings. Redman indicated that the ailment is minor, and he should be ready for his next start.

8/4/2005

David DeJesus, kan

DeJesus reportedly suffered a mild concussion on a play at second base on Thursday. The Royals' center fielder caught a leg to the head on a slide at second. He left Kansas City's 11-9 loss to Boston, and he was replaced in the field by Chip Ambres.

7/27/2005

Ryan Shealy, kan

With regular starter Todd Helton nursing a strained calf, Shealy was recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs by the Colorado Rockies, in time to handle the first-base duties in Tuesday's meeting with the New York Mets. The 25-year-old rookie went 1-for-4 with an RBI and run scored.

7/26/2005

Mike Wood, kan

After allowing 11 runs -- six earned -- in his last 7.2 innings of work, Wood has been optioned to Triple-A Omaha by the Kansas City Royals. The righthander will be replaced in the bullpen by Shawn Camp, whose contract was purchased from the minor league club on Monday.

Scott Dohmann, kan

Dohmann is back with the Colorado Rockies, called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs on Tuesday. The righthander fills the roster spot of Zach Day, who was optioned to the minor league club to work through a minor shoulder injury. Dohmann began the 2005 campaign with the Rockies, but was demoted after going 0-1 with an 18.90 ERA in nine relief appearances.

7/25/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

Sweeney's left hand and wrist remained sore over the weekend, from getting hit by a Pete Walker pitch on Friday. The Royals' DH-first baseman didn't make an appearance either Saturday or Sunday against Toronto, though Royals manager Buddy Bell said Sweeney might be available for pinch-hitting duty.

Mark Redman, kan

Going into Sunday's meeting with Colorado, Redman had lost his last six starts, surrendering four or more runs in each outing and failing to pitch more than six innings. But the Pirates' lefthander got back into a groove, silencing the Rockies' bats, allowing just six hits over eight shutout innings, striking out five and walking one. With the victory, Redman improved to 5-10 on the season.

7/22/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

Sweeney was hit in the left hand by a pitch on Friday night, during the first inning of the Royals' 5-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. The Royals' designated hitter was taken to a hospital for X-rays, which detected only a bruise. Sweeney is listed as day-to-day.

7/21/2005

Odalis Perez, kan

Making his fourth start since coming off the disabled list, Perez held the Philadelphia Phillies to just three hits over seven shutout innings on Thursday, picking up his first win since April 29. The Dodgers' lefthander, who missed six weeks with shoulder inflammation, struck out a season-high seven batters and walked one.

Runelvys Hernandez, kan

On Thursday, Major League Baseball issued a 10-game suspension and fined Hernandez as a result of last Sunday's scuffle between the Tigers and Royals in Detroit. The 27-year-old righthander and Royals manager Buddy Bell were ejected when Hernandez hit the Tigers' Carlos Guillen in the batting helmet with a pitch in the sixth inning.

Ruben Gotay, kan

Gotay's starting second-base job could be at risk. The 22-year-old infielder is batting .240 with a .301 on-base percentage, and since the start of July, he's hitting .188 with no hitting percentage near .300 in 14 games. On Wednesday, the Royals recalled second-base prospect Donnie Murphy to replace Tony Graffanino following Tuesday's trade with Boston. Murphy started in place of Gotay on Wednesday, and the rookie singled and homered in a 5-3 Kansas City win.

Donnie Murphy, kan

The Kansas City Royals needed another infielder on the roster after trading Tony Graffanino to Boston. On Wednesday, they recalled Murphy from Double-A Wichita. The second-base prospect was batting .313 with 10 homers, 32 RBI and 33 runs scored in 50 games for Wichita this season.

Shane Costa, kan

On Wednesday, the Kansas City Royals recalled infielder Donnie Murphy and optioned Costa to Double-A Wichita. The Royals' outfield had an extra body after Chip Ambres was acquired in the Tony Graffanino trade with Boston, and Costa departs with a .235 average, two homers and 13 runs scored in 27 games with the Royals.

Chip Ambres, kan

Ambres enjoyed a successful major league debut on Wednesday night, going 2-for-4 with a double as the Royals' left fielder in a 5-3 victory over Cleveland. Ambres could steal some at-bats from Terrence Long.

7/20/2005

Chip Ambres, kan

On Tuesday, the Kansas City Royals acquired Ambres and Class-A hurler Juan Cedeno from Boston, in exchange for veteran infielder Tony Graffanino. Ambres will make his major league debut Wednesday, probably starting in left field against Cleveland and its lefthanded ace, C.C. Sabathia. Ambres was batting .294 with 10 home runs, 50 RBI and 19 steals for Triple-A Pawtucket when the Royals acquired him. He was a first-round pick in 1998.

7/18/2005

Reggie Sanders, kan

Sanders will be placed on the 15-day disabled list by the St. Louis Cardinals after being diagnosed with a hairline fracture of the fibula in his right leg. The Cardinals' outfielder, who suffered the injury when he collided with teammate Jim Edmonds on Monday, is expected to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks.

7/16/2005

Doug Mientkiewicz, kan

Mientkiewicz was back in the New York Mets' starting lineup Saturday after being removed from the 15-day disabled list.

D.J. Carrasco, kan

Carrasco was a late scratch from his scheduled start against Detroit Friday night when he felt tightness in his throwing shoulder while playing catch before the game. Jose Lima gave up three runs in six innings after making the emergency start in Carrasco's place.

7/15/2005

Adam Bernero, kan

On Friday, the Atlanta Braves recalled veteran righthander Jay Powell from Double-A Mississippi and optioned Bernero to Triple-A Richmond. In 36 games with the Braves, the 28-year-old Bernero was 4-3 with a 6.51 ERA and .313 opponent batting average.

7/14/2005

Ambiorix Burgos, kan

The Kansas City Royals activated Burgos from the disabled list Thursday, after the 21-year-old righthander missed 19 games with a right rotator cuff muscle strain. He is 1-3 with a 4.44 ERA and two saves in 22 games.

7/11/2005

Scott Sullivan, kan

Sullivan's back has shown little-to-no improvement, and doctors are recommending that he undergo surgery to repair the problem. The Royals' righthander has not appeared in a major league game this season, and if he chooses to go under the knife, he'll miss the rest of the 2005 campaign.

Mike Sweeney, kan

Sweeney provided the Kansas City Royals with their only scoring in Sunday's 3-2 extra-inning loss to the Minnesota Twins, belting a pair of solo home runs. The first baseman, who also added a single, now has 15 multihomer games in his major league career.

Angel Berroa, kan

Berroa extended his multihit-games streak to six, notching a single and double in Sunday's 3-2 extra-inning loss to the Minnesota Twins. Overall, the Kansas City Royals' shortstop has hit safely in eight straight games, going 17-for-31 (.548) with two doubles, a triple and five RBI. He's struck out just twice over that span.

7/10/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

Sweeney hit safely in his first five at bats in the Royals' 12-8 win over the Twins, before ending his streak of eight straight hits by grounding out in the eighth inning. The eight consecutive hits tied the club record, and the five-hit game was the first of his career.

7/8/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

Sweeney was back in the Royals lineup on Friday after taking a pitch in the left forearm during the first inning of Wednesday's game against Seattle. Sweeney was forced to miss Thursday's game due to the contusion.

Angel Berroa, kan

Berroa went 4-for-5 with two runs and two RBI in Thursday's 8-5 win over the Minnesota Twins, his third consecutive multi-hit game.

7/7/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

Five days after coming off the disabled list for a left wrist injury, Sweeney took an Aaron Sele pitch off the left forearm during the first inning of the Royals' 5-1 win over Seattle Wednesday. He left before his next at-bat for X-rays, which established that there were no broken bones. Sweeney is day-to-day with a forearm contusion.

7/6/2005

Reggie Sanders, kan

Sanders was back in the St. Louis Cardinals' lineup for Tuesday's meeting with the Arizona Diamondbacks after missing the team's previous two contests with a strained right foot. The veteran outfielder was productive in his return, going 1-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored.

7/5/2005

Odalis Perez, kan

As anticipated, Perez has been activated from the 15-day disabled list, and he will take the mound against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday. The Dodgers' lefthander, who has been sidelined since mid-May with soreness and inflammation in his pitching shoulder, recently made four starts with Triple-A Las Vegas as part of a minor league rehab assignment. He is 4-4 with a 4.50 ERA in eight games with the Dodgers this season, but has lost four of his last five starts.

7/4/2005

Reggie Sanders, kan

Sanders suffered a sprained foot while sliding into second base on a game-ending double play in Saturday's loss to the Colorado Rockies, and he was held out of the Cardinals' lineup on Sunday as a precautionary measure. The veteran outfielder, who was replaced by So Taguchi, said the injury is not serious, and he plans to be back in action on Monday.

7/3/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

As anticipated, Sweeney was activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Kansas City Royals in time for Friday's meeting with the Los Angeles Angels. The slugger, who missed more than two weeks with a sore wrist, takes the roster spot of the demoted Justin Huber.

Joey Gathright, kan

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays placed infielder Alex Gonzalez on the 15-day disabled list with a neck injury and recalled Gathright from Triple-A Durham on Sunday. At Durham, the speedy outfielder was batting .305 with a .388 on-base percentage, 31 steals and 46 runs scored in 58 games.

Justin Huber, kan

Prior to Friday's matchup with the Los Angeles Angels, the Kansas City Royals optioned Huber to Double-A Wichita, opening a spot on the roster for first baseman Mike Sweeney, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list. Huber appeared in just five games during his short stint with the major league club, going 3-for-12 with a double, three RBI and three strikeouts.

7/1/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

Reportedly Sweeney will be activated in time for Kansas City's Friday night showdown with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Royals' first baseman showed steady improvement this week, and he could be back in the lineup as soon as Friday. Sweeney is batting .299 with nine home runs and 37 RBI in 54 games this season.

6/30/2005

Reggie Sanders, kan

Sanders went 2-for-3 with a double, walk, three runs scored and belted his third home run in as many games in Wednesday's 11-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. The Cardinals' outfielder has improved at the plate each month this season. In April, he hit just .213, bumped his average up to .277 in May, and he's currently batting .350 in June. Sanders has at least five home runs each month.

Emil Brown, kan

Brown's career-best hitting streak reached 16 games on Wednesday, as the Royals' outfielder recorded a double in four at-bats in a 3-1 win over Minnesota. During his 16-game run, Brown is batting .391 (25-for-64) with six doubles, nine RBI and 13 runs scored.

6/29/2005

Emil Brown, kan

Brown had two more hits on Tuesday in Kansas City's 11-8 loss to Minnesota. The Royals' outfielder extended his hitting streak to 15 games, and he's a .400 hitter (24-for-60) with five doubles and 13 runs scored during the streak.

Odalis Perez, kan

Perez will take the mound for Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday, and if no problems are reported, he will be activated from the 15-day disabled list in time for a start against the Colorado Rockies next Tuesday. The Dodgers' lefthander, who has been sidelined since mid-May with soreness in his pitching shoulder, allowed five earned runs on seven hits over just 4.1 innings of work in his last start with the minor league club over the weekend.

6/28/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

Sweeney's sore left wrist has shown marked improvement since the weekend, fueling the possibility that the Royals' DH-first baseman could be activated from the disabled list on Friday. That is the first day he is eligible to come off the DL.

Emil Brown, kan

Brown collected two of the Royals' six hits on Monday night, when Joe Mays and the Minnesota Twins shut down Kansas City, 3-1. The Royals' outfielder now has a 14-game hitting streak in which he is 22-for-56 (.393) with four doubles, nine RBI and 12 runs scored. For the season, he's a .295 hitter with a .363 on-base percentage, 37 RBI and 39 runs scored in 65 games.

Ryan Shealy, kan

With second baseman Aaron Miles coming off the disabled list late Monday, the Colorado Rockies have opened a spot on the roster by optioning Shealy to Triple-A Colorado Springs. The first baseman appeared in just eight games during his short stint with the major league club, going 6-for-20 with one home run, three RBI and seven strikeouts.

6/27/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

Sweeney took practice swings Sunday for the third straight day, but the Royals' DH-first baseman continues to experience pain in his left wrist. While he is eligible to return July 1 from the disabled list, the discomfort he's feeling suggests he won't be ready to come back on Friday.

Emil Brown, kan

With a first-inning single in Kansas City's loss to Colorado Sunday, Brown extended his hitting streak to a career-best 13 games. The 30-year-old outfielder is batting .385 (20-for-52) during his 13-game run, with four doubles, nine RBI and 12 runs scored.

Odalis Perez, kan

Perez likely will make at least one more rehab start with Triple-A Las Vegas before being activated from the 15-day disabled list. The Dodgers' lefthander, who has been sidelined since mid-May with soreness in his pitching shoulder, allowed five earned runs on seven hits over just 4.1 innings of work in a start with the minor league club over the weekend.

Todd Wellemeyer, kan

After the Chicago White Sox roughed up Wellemeyer for six hits and five runs over 2.1 innings Friday, the Chicago Cubs optioned the 26-year-old righthander to Triple-A Iowa and recalled righthander Roberto Novoa. Wellemeyer departs with a 2-1 record, a save and a 4.74 ERA in 18 relief appearances for the Cubs.

6/26/2005

Doug Mientkiewicz, kan

Mientkiewicz, who injured his right hamstring in the on-deck circle Saturday, was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday by the New York Mets. An MRI exam on Sunday revealed a slight tear in his hamstring. The 31-year-old first baseman said the injury felt like "someone shot him." He was batting .219 with nine homers and 24 RBI in 62 games.

6/24/2005

Scott Sullivan, kan

After battling a back strain and an arm injury this spring, Sullivan appeared in his first game action of 2005 on Thursday. The 34-year-old righthander worked a 1-2-3 inning for Triple-A Omaha and picked up a "W" in his 2005 debut.

6/22/2005

Paul Bako, kan

Tests have revealed that Bako has a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee, an injury suffered last month and though to be just a sprain. The Dodgers' catcher, who currently is on the disabled list, will undergo reconstructive surgery and miss the rest of the 2005 campaign. Jason Phillips and Mike Rose will continue to handle the catching duties for LA.

Ken Harvey, kan

Harvey, who is nursing a recurring back injury, has been transferred from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL by the Kansas City Royals. Although a timetable for his return has not been set, Harvey will not be eligible to be activated until at least mid-July. He is batting .222 with one home run and five RBI in 12 games this season.

6/21/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

On Monday, the Kansas City Royals put Sweeney on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left wrist. The move is retroactive to June 16, the day after he was injured in a collision with the Dodgers' Jayson Werth. Sweeney is batting . 299 with nine homers and 37 RBI in 54 games.

Odalis Perez, kan

Perez threw just 44 pitches in his minor league rehab start with Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday, but declared himself ready to rejoin the Dodgers' rotation as early as this weekend's series against the Angels. The lefthander, who allowed two hits, struck out two and walked one over three shutout innings in Monday's outing, has been sidelined since mid-May with soreness in his pitching shoulder.

Jimmy Gobble, kan

On Monday, the Kansas City Royals put relievers Jeremy Affeldt and Ambiorix Burgos on the disabled list and recalled Gobble to work out of the bullpen. The lefthander arrives from Triple-A Omaha, where he made 12 starts and posted a 2-7 record and 6.48 ERA.

Ambiorix Burgos, kan

The Kansas City Royals placed both Burgos and Jeremy Affeldt on the 15-day disabled list Monday. Burgos faced just one batter Sunday before he had to leave a relief appearance with tightness in the back of his shoulder. On Monday, Burgos was diagnosed with a strain in his right rotator cuff. The 21-year-old reliever is 1-3 with two saves and a 4.44 ERA in 22 games this season.

Justin Huber, kan

With Mike Sweeney going on the 15-day disabled list Monday, the Kansas City Royals recalled Huber from Double-A Wichita. The 22-year-old hitting prospect, a catcher who has converted to first base, is batting .332 with nine homers and 50 RBI for Wichita.

6/20/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

Sweeney, who has missed the past four games with a sprained left wrist and elbow, suffered a setback while taking practice swings and hitting off a tee Sunday. His left arm wasn't feeling well after the workout and Sweeney received a cortisone shot on Sunday.

Ambiorix Burgos, kan

On Sunday, Burgos faced just one batter in the eighth inning of the Royals' 7-1 victory over the Astros, before being led from the mound by trainer Nick Swartz and manager Buddy Bell. The preliminary diagnosis on Burgos was tightness in the back of his shoulder, but a more thorough examination is on the docket for Monday. The 21-year-old reliever is 1-3 with two saves and a 4.44 ERA in 22 relief appearances this season.

6/19/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

Sweeney missed his third consecutive game with a sprained left wrist and elbow when he sat out Saturday's game. The Royals have Sweeney scheduled to take swings again on Sunday, and the DH-first baseman will be re-evaluated by team trainers after his hitting session.

6/18/2005

Paul Bako, kan

Bako's sprained knee did not respond well after he caught a bullpen session, so the Dodgers' catcher will return to Los Angeles next week to be examined for a more serious injury.

Odalis Perez, kan

Perez is scheduled to make a minor league rehabilitation start on Monday, the first of at least two such appearances the pitcher is expected to make before returning to the Dodgers. Perez' last start for the Dodgers was May 14, one day before going on the 15-day disabled list with soreness in his pitching shoulder.

6/16/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

The Kansas City Royals will be without Sweeney for at least a few days, after the first baseman sprained his left wrist and elbow in a collision with the Dodgers' Jayson Werth at the bag. Werth ran into Sweeney's non-throwing hand while charging down the line.

6/13/2005

Chad Allen, kan

After being designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers last week, Allen was outrighted to Triple-A Oklahoma over the weekend after he cleared waivers. The 30-year-old outfielder batted .283 in 53 at-bats with the Rangers this season.

Ryan Shealy, kan

Shealy, an impressive power prospect stuck behind Todd Helton on the team's depth chart, was recalled by the Colorado Rockies on Sunday. The 25-year-old first baseman, who will be making his major league debut, is expected to get some DH at-bats with the Rockies playing at Cleveland and Baltimore this week.

6/12/2005

Steve Stemle, kan

The Royals placed Stemle on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday with a back injury. The righthanded reliever made his major league debut on May 26, and has seen action in six games. He's worked 10.2 innings, allowing 10 hits and six earned runs.

6/10/2005

Doug Mientkiewicz, kan

Mientkiewicz missed the entire Houston series during the week, still bothered by a strain in his pectoral muscle and rib cage. The Mets' first baseman felt better on Thursday, and he took batting practice and fielded grounders without problems. He could be back in the New York lineup Friday for the interleague series opener with the Angels.

6/9/2005

Luke Hudson, kan

On the disabled list with shoulder inflammation since the start of the season, Hudson was activated Thursday in order to start the Reds' evening contest against Tampa Bay. The 28-year-old righthander made nine starts and was 4-2 with a 2.42 ERA in an impressive rookie season in 2004. To make room for Hudson, Cincinnati optioned righthander Elizardo Ramirez to Triple-A Louisville.

Wilson Valdez, kan

Less than a week after he was outrighted to Triple-A Tacoma by the Seattle Mariners, Valdez was dealt to the San Diego Padres for two minor league pitchers on Thursday. The 27-year-old shortstop has been on the move in 2005. He went from the White Sox to the Mets to the Mariners on waiver claims late in spring training, then served as Seattle's starting shortstop before he was designated for assignment on May 31. He batted .198 in 42 games for the Mariners.

6/8/2005

Doug Mientkiewicz, kan

Due to discomfort in his chest, Mientkiewicz was absent from the New York Mets' lineup for Tuesday's matchup with the Houston Astros. Precautionary X-rays have revealed a bruised right pectoral muscle and a bruised rib on his right side. The first baseman, who suffered the injuries when he collided with the wall while chasing a foul ball on Sunday, has been listed as day-to-day.

6/7/2005

Chad Allen, kan

To make room on the 25-man roster for infielder Marshall McDougall, the Texas Rangers designated Allen for assignment on Tuesday. The 30-year-old outfielder batted .283, scored five runs and drove in five more in 53 at-bats for Texas this season. The Rangers have 10 days to either release or trade Allen if he does not accept a minor league assignment.

6/6/2005

Odalis Perez, kan

Perez still had some lingering stiffness in his shoulder after throwing about 45 pitches in a bullpen session on Sunday. The Dodgers' lefthander has yet to include breaking balls in his workouts, and the team does not have a definite timetable for his return. He will throw again within the next couple of days. D.J. Houlton is expected to remain in the starting rotation until Perez is back in action.

6/5/2005

Reggie Sanders, kan

Sanders got back on track in Saturday's win over the Houston Astros, going a perfect 4-for-4 with three doubles, a walk and the second grand slam of his major league career. The Cardinals' outfielder finished the game with five RBI and two runs scored. Going into Saturday's contest, Sanders had just two hits in his previous 17 at-bats.

Seth Etherton, kan

After losing his spot in the A's starting rotation a couple days prior, Etherton was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento by the club on Sunday. The move was made to open a spot on the roster for reliever Kiko Calero, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list. In three starts with the A's this season, Etherton is 1-1 with a 6.62 ERA.

6/4/2005

Seth Etherton, kan

Etherton has been demoted from the Oakland starting rotation, replaced by Ryan Glynn. Etherton is 1-1 with a 6.62 ERA in three starts with the A's this season.

Wilson Valdez, kan

Valdez has been outrighted to Triple-A Tacoma and is expected to report to the club on Sunday. The shortstop, who was designated for assignment on May 31, was batting just .198 with the Mariners this season.

6/2/2005

Ken Harvey, kan

Harvey left for Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday, prepared to start his minor league rehab assignment for a back injury. The Royals' DH-first baseman has been on the disabled list retroactive to May 19, and he will be re-evaluated after playing six games for Omaha.

6/1/2005

Zack Greinke, kan

In his 11th start of the season Tuesday, Greinke picked up his first win of the 2005 campaign. The 21-year-old righthander worked five innings and allowed three runs to the Yankees, but that was good enough to get his first "W" in a 5-3 Kansas City victory.

Wilson Valdez, kan

Valdez assumed starting shortstop duties for Seattle when Pokey Reese was injured this spring, and the rookie has been solid defensively as a last-minute replacement on Opening Day. But Valdez hasn't produced offensively, and after Seattle's loss to Toronto Tuesday, the Mariners designated him for assignment.

Shane Costa, kan

After designating veteran Eli Marrero for assignment on Tuesday, the Kansas City Royals recalled Costa from Double-A Wichita. The 23-year-old outfielder, a second-round pick in 2003, was batting .274 with five homers and 27 RBI for Wichita after getting off to a slow start.

5/31/2005

Odalis Perez, kan

Perez was eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list on Monday, but according to Dodgers' manager Jim Tracy, he will need at least two more bullpen sessions before determining his availability. The lefthander, who is nursing soreness in the front of his pitching shoulder, threw about 45 fastballs off the mound prior to Monday's game against the Chicago Cubs and reported minor discomfort. Wilson Alvarez will remain in the rotation until Perez can return.

5/29/2005

Paul Bako, kan

The Dodgers placed Bako, suffering from a sprain of his left anterior cruciate ligament, on the 15-day disabled list. Bako has seen action in 13 games as the backup catcher, hitting .250 with a .362 on-base percentage in 40 at bats.

Paul Bako, kan

The Dodgers placed Bako, suffering from a sprain of his left anterior cruciate ligament, on the 15-day disabled list. Bako has seen action in 13 games as the backup catcher, hitting .250 with a .362 on-base percentage in 40 at-bats.

5/27/2005

Paul Bako, kan

Bako experienced some discomfort in his left knee during the ninth inning of Thursday's meeting with the San Francisco Giants, and was forced to leave the game. Although the injury is not considered serious, the Dodgers' backup catcher will undergo precautionary tests on Friday. He has been listed as day-to-day.

Steve Stemle, kan

Stemle, who turned 28 last week, got his first call to the big leagues on Thursday. The Kansas City Royals recalled the righthander from Triple-A Omaha before the club lost to Texas on Thursday night, and Stemle came in and worked three perfect innings with three strikeouts when starter Jose Lima departed.

5/26/2005

Ken Harvey, kan

An MRI exam has determined that there is nothing structurally or seriously wrong with Harvey's ailing back. The Royals' DH-first baseman is expected to resume baseball activities soon. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list last weekend, retroactive to May 19.

5/25/2005

Odalis Perez, kan

As manager Jim Tracy indicated earlier this week, the Los Angeles Dodgers have placed Perez on the 15-day disabled list with soreness in the front of his pitching shoulder. The move is retroactive to May 15, one day after the lefthander's last start. Wilson Alvarez will replace Perez in the rotation and take the mound against the Giants on Wednesday, while reliever Buddy Carlyle fills the void on the 25-man roster.

5/24/2005

Joel Peralta, kan

With Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez going on the disabled list, Los Angeles recalled Peralta from Triple-A Salt Lake to fill the opening in the bullpen. The 29-year-old righthander is making his first trip to the majors after starting his career as an infielder in 1996 and converting to pitching in 2000. He was 4-1 with a 2.60 ERA and seven saves in 16 appearances with Salt Lake this season.

5/23/2005

Odalis Perez, kan

Perez, who has not pitched since May 14 because of soreness in the front of his pitching shoulder, likely will land on the 15-day disabled list if he does not show improvement over the next day or two, according to Dodgers' manager Jim Tracy. He definitely will not take the mound against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday, as had been scheduled. Lefthander Wilson Alvarez will get the nod instead.

5/22/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

Sweeney went 0-for-4 in Kansas City's loss to St. Louis Saturday, ending his 14-game hitting streak. During the streak, the Royals' DH-first baseman batted .415 (22-for-53) with six doubles, seven homers and 15 RBI.

Ken Harvey, kan

The Kansas City Royals put Harvey on the 15-day disabled list Sunday because of recurring back problems. The DH-first baseman has been bothered by back pain all season, and the Royals decided to give him some down time to see if that doesn't clear up the discomfort. Harvey is batting .222 (10-for-45) with three doubles, a homer and five RBI since he was recalled from Triple-A Omaha on April 28.

5/21/2005

David DeJesus, kan

DeJesus, who has been out of the starting lineup for a few games because of a bruised left foot, pinch-hit in Friday's loss to the Cardinals and is expected back in the starting lineup for Saturday's contest. DeJesus is batting .255 in 37 games this season.

5/19/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

On Wednesday, Sweeney played for the first time in a week. He's been out of the Kansas City lineup with soreness in his right oblique muscle, yet managed a hit in four trips to the plate in the Royals' loss to Baltimore Wednesday. After a week off, Sweeney extended his hitting streak to a dozen games.

Ken Harvey, kan

Harvey has recovered enough from his back ailment to return to the Kansas City lineup. Serving as the Royals' designated hitter, Harvey was 1-for-4 with a double in Wednesday' loss to Baltimore. He sat for eight games, except for a pinch-hitting appearance on May 13. Since he was recalled on April 28, Harvey is batting .222 (10-for-45) with three doubles, a homer and five RBI. He also has struck out 13 times.

David DeJesus, kan

DeJesus still is bothered by a bruised left foot he injured near the end of April. The Royals' center fielder has sat out the first two games of the team's midweek series with Baltimore, and he will be re-evaluated before the series finale on Thursday. His left shoe has been fitted with a hard plate to protect the foot, but the foot remains sore.

5/18/2005

Seth Etherton, kan

Etherton will start for Oakland on Wednesday in place of injured righthander Rich Harden. A's reliever Keiichi Yabu was in line for the start, but it fell to Etherton after Yabu was forced into service and threw 43 pitches in relief for the Red Sox on Monday night.

5/17/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

Sweeney was held out of the Royals lineup on Tuesday with soreness in his right oblique muscle. Sweeney has missed the team's last three games, and although he took batting practice and swung free and easy, interim manager Bob Schaefer chose not to start the veteran first baseman.

Sweeney should be ready to play tomorrow. Although you missed today's game, fantasy managers should have confidence to start him on Wednesday.

Odalis Perez, kan

An MRI on Perez' left shoulder has revealed no structural damage, but the Dodgers plan to hold him out for at least one start as a precautionary measure. The lefthander, who complained of some tightness in the front of his shoulder during his last outing, will be replaced on the mound by Scott Erickson in Friday's meeting with the Los Angeles Angels. Perez is 4-4 with a 4.50 ERA in eight starts this season, but has lost four of his last five outings.

Perez missed some time last season with rotator cuff issues before sitting out nearly three weeks of spring training this year with shoulder tendinitis, so the Dodgers are going to be very cautious. A trip to the 15-day disabled list will not be needed at this point, and manager Jim Tracy has penciled Perez in for a start against the Giants on May 25.

Seth Etherton, kan

Recalled on Sunday to fill holes in the Oakland bullpen, Etherton possibly could start for Oakland on Wednesday instead. Keiichi Yabu was scheduled to start Wednesday in place of the injured Rich Harden, but Yabu was forced into service for two innings and 43 pitches in relief in Monday night's win over Boston.

Etherton's status is unclear, as well. His wife is scheduled to have labor induced on Thursday, the team's off day, but recent complications mean a baby delivery could happen any day now. Stay tuned.

Mark Teahen, kan

Teahen has started a run of base hits since he was activated from the disabled list for a back injury two weeks ago. The Royals' rookie third baseman has hit safely in seven of his last eight games, batting .333 (9-for-27) with three doubles, four runs scored and five RBI. His average has jumped to .278. He has scored seven runs and driven in six in 17 contests this season.

5/16/2005

Odalis Perez, kan

Perez was pulled from Saturday's start after the velocity of his pitches dropped in the seventh inning. The Dodgers' righthander, who reported some minor discomfort in his pitching shoulder, will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the cause of the ailment. There is some cause for concern, as Perez missed some time last season with rotator cuff issues before sitting out nearly three weeks of spring training this year with shoulder tendinitis.

For now, Perez has been listed as day-to-day. His status likely will be updated once the results from Monday's tests are known. He is 4-4 with a 4.50 ERA in eight starts this season, but has lost four of his last five outings, including three straight.

Seth Etherton, kan

Etherton was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday, after the Oakland Athletics placed starting pitcher Rich Harden on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique muscle. While Etherton was 1-2 with a 2.76 ERA in six Triple-A games, including five starts, he is expected to work out of the A's bullpen.

After pitching well in relief for Oakland, Keiichi Yabu will take Harden's start on Wednesday.

Ken Harvey, kan

Harvey has been bothered by stiffness in his back over the last week, and the ailment has kept him out of the Royals' starting lineup. There's no talk of putting the DH-first baseman on the disabled list, so consider him day-to-day.

With Mike Sweeney battling an oblique injury, the Royals have been light on first basemen. Tony Graffanino started at first base on both Saturday and Sunday for the Royals.

5/15/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

Sweeney missed his third straight game on Saturday when he was not in the Royals' lineup due to a strained right oblique muscle. Reports from the team's clubhouse state that Sweeney should be back in Kansas City's lineup on Tuesday.

Sweeney is off to a great start for the Royals this season, batting .328 with 11 doubles, nine home runs and 29 RBI in 34 games. They need him back in the lineup if they expect to win any games at all.

Mark Redman, kan

Five days after throwing a complete game in which he earned the loss, Pirates starter Mark Redman tossed his first shutout of the season, beating the Brewers, 2-0. Redman only faced three batters over the minimum while striking out five and walking none. It was Redman's second win of the season, which dropped his ERA to 2.44.

Redman has looked great all year, going at least six innings in all eight of his starts. Redman has yet to give up more than three earned runs in any one of his starts.

5/13/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

Sweeney was scratched from Kansas City's win over Tampa Bay on Thursday because of soreness in his right oblique muscle. The day off put Sweeney's 11-game hitting streak on hold. The DH-first baseman has batted .429 with seven home runs during his 11-game run, generating 12 runs and 12 RBI.

Brandon Duckworth, kan

Duckworth has cleared waivers, and the Houston Astros have sent him outright to Triple-A Round Rock. The righthander, who is 0-1 with an 11.40 ERA in six appearances this season, including two starts, was out of minor league options. He will be replaced in the bullpen by Mike Burns.

The Astros have not given up on Duckworth, but would like for him to get some work in the minors before giving him another chance at the major league level.

D.J. Carrasco, kan

The Kansas City Royals have recalled Carrasco from Triple-A Omaha, and the 28-year-old righthander will start against Tampa Bay on Friday night. He was 3-2 with a 2.28 ERA in 11 appearances, including three starts, for Omaha.

In 2003 and 2004 for the Royals, Carrasco posted a 4.82 ERA and two saves in 80 games, which include two starts in 2003.

5/12/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

Sweeney singled in his final at-bat on Wednesday, advancing his hitting streak to 11 games. He's batting .429 during his run, with four doubles, seven homers, 12 runs scored and 12 RBI.

Despite all the run production by Sweeney, the Royals are 3-8 during his 11-game hitting streak.

5/11/2005

Reggie Sanders, kan

Sanders went 2-for-5 in Tuesday's loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, belting two home runs -- his eighth and ninth of the 2005 campaign. After connecting for a solo shot to deep left field in the fourth inning, the Cardinals' outfielder added a three-run homer in the fifth.

Despite belting five home runs in April, Sanders struck out 15 times in 61 at-bats and posted a disappointing .213 batting average. He has turned things around in May, batting .364 with four homers, 10 RBI, two stolen bases in 33 at-bats.

Mike Sweeney, kan

After delivering a first-inning home run in Kansas City's loss to Toronto Tuesday night, Sweeney has a 10-game hitting streak. During the streak, Sweeney is hitting .459 (17-for-37) with four doubles, seven homers, 12 runs scored and 12 RBI.

Despite Sweeney's run, the Royals are 3-7 in those 10 games and manager Tony Pena had seen enough bad baseball. Pena resigned Tuesday, and an interim manager, current bench coach Bob Schaefer, will see if Sweeney can continue his hot-hitting ways.

5/10/2005

Mark Redman, kan

Despite posting his first complete game of the season and ninth of his major league career, Redman was the hard-luck loser in Monday's pitchers duel against Brett Tomko and the San Francisco Giants. The Pirates' lefthander allowed just two runs on six hits, striking out one and walking two over eight innings of work.

Redman dropped to 1-3 in seven starts this season, but actually saw his ERA improve from 3.05 to 2.91. He has been the Pirates' most consistent pitcher this year, but hasn't received the run support needed to post many victories.

Mike Wood, kan

When the Kansas City Royals put starting pitcher Brian Anderson on the disabled list Monday for an elbow ailment, they recalled Leo Nunez, a candidate for the Royals' bullpen. That means a starter will be needed from the pen, and Wood is the likely candidate.

Wood was a starter throughout his minor league career, and he was 11-3 with a 2.80 ERA in 15 starts for Triple-A Sacramento in 2004. Working out of the pen for the Royals this season, he is 1-2 with a 5.03 ERA in 10 games.

Leo Nunez, kan

The Kansas City Royals recalled Nunez from Double-A Wichita Monday, after placing starting pitcher Brian Anderson on the 15-day disabled list with an elbow ailment. The 21-year-old Nunez was 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA in three relief appearances this season with Wichita. He also made eight appearances for high Class-A High Desert.

Suddenly it's been a mad dash to the majors for Nunez, who pitched in low Class-A ball in 2004. He was a Pirates pitching prospect who was dealt to Kansas City for Benito Santiago last December. Now he's ready to step into a big league bullpen.

5/9/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

With two hits, including a homer, in Kansas City's win over Baltimore on Sunday, Sweeney has an eight-game hitting streak in which he's 15-for-29 (.517). What's even more impressive than batting better than .500 during his run is his power stroke. Sweeney has four doubles, six homers and a 1.276 slugging mark over those eight games. He also has scored 11 runs and driven in 11.

5/5/2005

Mike Sweeney, kan

With a pair of doubles and two RBI in Kansas City's 4-2 loss to Chicago on Wednesday, Sweeney continues his hot hitting for the Royals. The DH-first baseman had a pair of homers on both Sunday and Tuesday, and in his last seven games, he's hitting .400 (10-for-25) with five doubles, four homers and nine RBI.

Despite Sweeney's hot bat, the Royals are just 2-5 over those seven games.

5/4/2005

Todd Wellemeyer, kan

Wellemeyer has been recalled from Triple-A Iowa by the Chicago Cubs, filling the roster spot of injured starter Kerry Wood. Wellemeyer began the season on the major league roster, but was demoted after posting a 7.71 ERA in three relief appearances.

With Glendon Rusch moving into the starting rotation in Wood's absence, Wellemeyer will give the Cubs another arm in the bullpen.

Todd Wellemeyer, kan

Wellemeyer has been recalled from Triple-A Iowa by the Chicago Cubs, filling the roster spot of injured starter Kerry Wood. Wellemeyer began the season on the major league roster, but was demoted after posting a 7.71 ERA in 3 relief appearances.

Mark Teahen, kan

On Tuesday, the Kansas City Royals activated Teahen from the disabled list, after missing three weeks with a back ailment. The 23-year-old rookie went 1-for-3 in his Tuesday return, a 5-4 loss to the Chicago White Sox. The Royals' third baseman is 4-for-18 (.222) in six games this season, with a triple, an RBI and two runs scored.

The Royals optioned outfielder Matt Diaz to Triple-A Omaha to make room for Teahen on the 25-man roster.

5/3/2005

Bobby Madritsch, kan

An MRI exam has revealed that the torn ligament in Madritsch's ailing left shoulder is starting to heal. The Seattle southpaw has been wearing a sling since he was injured in early April, and he's been instructed to wear it for another two weeks before he is re-evaluated again.

Exactly how long it will take for the shoulder to repair itself is uncertain, but figuring that Madritsch will need a month to regain his form once he's healthy, it would seem that a July return is a best-case scenario.

4/30/2005

Ken Harvey, kan

Harvey hit his first career grand slam during Kansas City's win over the Cleveland Indians on Saturday. After going 3-for-5 Saturday, the Royals' DH-first baseman is 6-for-14 (.429) with a double and homer since being recalled by the Royals a few days ago.

4/28/2005

Reggie Sanders, kan

Sanders, struck on the left hand by a pitch on Tuesday, was back in the St. Louis lineup Thursday afternoon. He went 1-for-4 with a solo homer in the Cardinals' 4-3 loss to Milwaukee. The longball was the fifth of the season for Sanders, who is hitting .228 in 17 games this year.

Ken Harvey, kan

Almost a week after the Royals sent down Calvin Pickering, the DH-first baseman who aced him out of a major league job this spring, Harvey was recalled by Kansas City on Thursday. He is in the lineup at first base against Minnesota Thursday afternoon.

Harvey was hitting a team-best .375 (27-for-72) for Triple-A Omaha. The righthanded hitter also generated three homers and a team-leading 14 RBI in 18 games. To make room for Harvey in Kansas City, the Royals optioned pitcher Shawn Kemp to their Triple-A affiliate.

Scott Dohmann, kan

Having trouble controlling his fastball, Dohmann has been optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs by the Colorado Rockies. The righthander, who will be replaced in the bullpen by veteran Jay Witasick, has struggled in nine relief appearances this season, going 0-1 with an 18.90 ERA and two blown saves.

Dohmann will work on his command with the minor league club, and he should be back with the Rockies later this season. He has no fantasy value.

4/27/2005

Reggie Sanders, kan

Sanders will miss at least Wednesday's meeting with the Milwaukee Brewers after taking a pitch off his left hand late in Tuesday's action. Precautionary X-rays revealed a bruise, but no broken bones were found. He has been listed as day-to-day and should return to the lineup by the weekend.

In Sanders' absence, So Taguchi is expected to get the nod in left field for St. Louis. In 16 games this season, Sanders is batting .226 with four home runs and nine RBI, but has yet to attempt a stolen base. He's posted double-digit steals every year since 1992.

Mark Grudzielanek, kan

Batting leadoff in Wednesday's meeting with the Milwaukee Brewers, Grudzielanek went 4-for-5 with two RBI and three runs scored. The Cardinals' second baseman homered in his first at-bat, singled in the second inning, connected for an RBI double in the fourth and tripled in the sixth to hit for the cycle for the first time in his major league career.

Grudzielanek, who already has hit in five different spots in the Cardinals' batting order this year, has just two leadoff homers in 11 major league seasons. In 17 games during the current campaign, he is batting .312 with one home run and seven RBI.

Wilson Valdez, kan

Valdez' tenure as Seattle's shortstop will continue, as Pokey Reese's rehab in the minors has stalled with more shoulder pain. The veteran has returned to Seattle to have his shoulder reexamined, while the rookie has been solid defensively and not a complete lost cause at the plate.

That's not to say that Valdez is a productive hitter. While he's batting .254, not one of his hitting percentages exceeds the .300 plateau. As long as he's dependable at short, the Mariners probably aren't overly concerned about his bat. They should get enough offensive production from the other three infield spots.

4/26/2005

Brandon Duckworth, kan

Duckworth is off to a rough start this season, allowing 14 runs on 14 hits over 10 innings in three appearances. As a result, he has lost his spot in the Houston Astros' starting rotation and now will pitch in long relief. Rookie Ezequiel Astacio will be recalled from the minor leagues to fill the void and is slated to make his first start on Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

If Duckworth can right the ship, he could return to the rotation down the line. His fantasy value in either role is highly limited.

4/25/2005

David DeJesus, kan

DeJesus sat out Kansas City's loss to the White Sox Sunday with a bruised left foot. The injury isn't believed to be serious, and the Royals' leadoff man should benefit from the team's off day on Monday. Look for DeJesus in the KC lineup on Tuesday, when the club hosts Minnesota.

Joe McEwing took over leadoff duties for DeJesus on Sunday and went 2-for-5 in the loss. On the season, DeJesus has a .304 average and .377 OBP.

Mark Teahen, kan

Teahen is playing for Triple-A Omaha, as part of his minor league rehab assignment for a minor back ailment, and the rookie third baseman is expected to rejoin the Royals later this week. He was 3-for-15 (.200) with a triple and an RBI with Kansas City, before he went on the disabled list with lower back pain.

4/24/2005

Ambiorix Burgos, kan

Burgos was recalled from Double-A Wichita as the Royals optioned Nate Field to Triple-A Omaha. Burgos had made one previous appearance for the Royals this year, yielding one hit while striking out one.

This may be a reach for fantasy players, but apparently Kansas City manager Tony Pena could employ Burgos as the Royals' closer if Mike MacDougal continues to struggle. Burgos had struck out 17 in eight innings over seven appearances for Wichita, recording one save while yielding two hits and six walks.

4/22/2005

Scott Sullivan, kan

Sullivan has been moved to the 60-day disabled list by the Royals while suffering from a strained back. Sullivan has yet to throw a pitch this season.

Calvin Pickering, kan

Unless Pickering starts to pick up his game, the Kansas City Royals might look elsewhere for a regular designated hitter. In 27 at-bats this season, he has just four hits, including a home run and three RBI, but has struck out 14 times. With Triple-A Omaha last season, Pickering batted .314 with 35 home runs and 79 RBI, so he obviously has some potential.

The Royals could turn to veterans Matt Stairs or Eli Marrero, or they could call up Ken Harvey, who Pickering beat out for the DH job in spring training this year.

Doug Mientkiewicz, kan

Mientkiewicz took an Al Leiter pitch deep to right field with the bases loaded in the second inning of Thursday's victory over the Florida Marlins to record the first grand slam of his major league career. The normally light-hitting Mets first baseman has two homers in his last three games.

Known more for his defensive skills than his power at the plate, Mientkiewicz has just 47 home runs in 708 career major league contests. He is batting .278 with three homers and 10 RBI in 16 games this season.

4/21/2005

John Buck, kan

Buck was just 5-for-37 (.135) without an extra-base hit for the Royals, and he was given off two straight days before Kansas City faced Minnesota in a series-ending Thursday matinee. The Royals' catcher nearly doubled his season hit total against Twins pitching, going 4-for-5 with his first home run of 2005.

Things have been going so badly that Buck nearly was able to double his batting average in one day. He's now hitting .214.

4/20/2005

Mark Teahen, kan

Six days after going on the disabled list for a lower back ailment, Teahen took soft-toss batting practice and fielded groundballs before the Royals' game against Cleveland Tuesday. On Wednesday, when the Royals head for Minnesota, the rookie third baseman will go to Triple-A Omaha to work out and take live batting practice. If his back is sound, he may start a minor league rehab assignment on the weekend.

There's a chance Teahen could be ready to go for the Royals by the end of next week, when he's eligible to return from the DL.

4/15/2005

Calvin Pickering, kan

Pickering is not expected to play in this weekend's series against the Detroit Tigers, as he has traveled to Los Angeles to be with his wife, who is scheduled to give birth at any time. The Royals' designated hitter/first baseman should rejoin the club early next week.

Pickering beat out Ken Harvey for one of the last spots on the Royals' roster this spring, but has struggled so far. In five games, he is just 3-for-19 with one home run, three RBI and eight strikeouts.

Joey Gathright, kan

As expected, Gathright has been optioned to Triple-A Durham by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, opening a spot on the roster for fellow outfielder Alex Sanchez, who has rejoined the club after serving a 10-day suspension for violating the league's new drug policy. The 23-year-old Gathright was solid in Sanchez' absence, hitting .350 with a double, triple and three stolen bases in six games.

The Devil Rays want Gathright to get at-bats on a daily basis, and Durham is the best place for that to happen. Expect him to be back with the big league club later this season.

4/14/2005

Mark Redman, kan

Redman was able to remain on the mound in Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers after taking a liner off his right knee in the sixth inning. Despite some minor soreness, the Pirates' lefthander has reported no problems over the past couple of days, and barring any setbacks, he will start against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, as scheduled.

Redman struggled in spring training, posting a 7.04 ERA. He has turned things around in his two regular-season starts, going 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA, striking out eight and walking just one in 12 innings of work.

4/13/2005

Joey Gathright, kan

Gathright will force the Devil Rays to make a difficult decision. Alex Sanchez is due back from his steroid-related suspension on Thursday, and only one of them can start for Tampa Bay. In five games for the Rays, the speedy rookie has batted .438 (7-for-16) with a double, triple and three stolen bases. He's reached base in nine of 19 plate appearances.

As a 23-year-old prospect, Gathright will go where he can play every day. That will be Tampa Bay only if the Rays are ready to make Sanchez a fourth outfielder. It seems like an obvious decision, but we'll have to wait and see what manager Lou Piniella decides.

Mark Teahen, kan

Before the Royals faced Seattle on Wednesday afternoon, the club put Teahen on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back ailment. The rookie third baseman was hitting .200 (3-for-15) with an RBI in five games.

To take Teahen's place on the roster, the Royals recalled utilityman Joe McEwing from Triple-A Omaha.

4/12/2005

Todd Wellemeyer, kan

Wellemeyer has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa by the Chicago Cubs, opening a spot on the roster for starter Mark Prior, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday. In three appearances this season, Wellemeyer has allowed two runs on six hits in 2.1 innings.

Wellemeyer serves as a reliever with Chicago, but he is scheduled to start on Friday for the minor league club. For his career, he is 3-2 with a 6.29 ERA and one save in 38 games with the Cubs. Over that span, he's struck out 62 batters and walked 39 in 54.1 innings. He'll return to the majors later this season.

Mark Teahen, kan

Teahen, the Royals' rookie third baseman, left Monday's contest against the Mariners with a sore lower back after just two innings. While the 23-year-old prospect had to be helped from the field, he said he believed the back ailment was related to a bad cold that kept him out of games over the weekend. Teahen explained he'd spent too much time in bed and had experienced discomfort in his back.

This sounds like a minor ailment of little consequence. The rookie hasn't been very productive so far, having gone 3-for-15 (.200) with a triple, RBI and two runs scored. He'll be evaluated on Tuesday, an off day for the Royals, who host Seattle on Wednesday.

4/9/2005

Bobby Madritsch, kan

Forced to leave after only four and one third innings pitched in his first outing, Madritsch has now been placed on the 15-day disabled list due to soreness in his left shoulder. An MRI taken on Friday revealed that the southpaw had a strained shoulder. Righthander Ryan Franklin will likely take Madritsch's place in the Mariner rotation.

4/8/2005

Mark Redman, kan

After posting an ugly 7.04 ERA in spring training, Redman got back on track in his regular-season debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates, allowing just four hits over six shutout innings in Thursday's meeting with the San Diego Padres. The lefthander, who was acquired from the Oakland A's during the offseason, struck out three batters and walked one.

Redman is on his fifth different team in the last five seasons. With the A's in 2004, he went 11-12 with a 4.71 ERA and two complete games in 32 starts.

4/7/2005

Reggie Sanders, kan

Sanders has been consistent through two games beginning the 2005 campaign, going 1-for-3 with a home run in each contest. The Cardinals' outfielder, who has three RBI, two runs scored and a walk, is slated to serve as the team's primary left fielder this season.

At 37, Sanders could be in the closing years of his major league career. However, he still has both power and speed, batting .260 with 22 home runs, 67 RBI and 21 stolen bases in 135 games last season.

Zack Greinke, kan

Greinke took a line drive off his pitching arm in the third inning of Thursday's game against the Detroit Tigers. The Royals' righthander, who was hit just above his wrist, threw a few test pitches before leaving the game. He was replaced on the hill by Nate Field and underwent precautionary X-rays, which were negative. He will be re-evaluated over the next couple of days to determine his availability for his next start.

For now, consider Greinke as day-to-day. Being the first week of the season, there is no reason for the Royals' to push the 21-year-old hurler and risk further aggravation. He was 8-11 with a 3.97 ERA in 24 starts last year.

Bobby Madritsch, kan

Madritsch made his season debut in Wednesday's game against the Texas Rangers, allowing three runs on four hits and a walk over 4.1 innings of work. The Mariners' lefthander, who turned 29 earlier this year, was forced to leave in the fifth inning after reporting discomfort in his pitching shoulder. Tests have revealed that Madritsch has a mild strain, and he will be re-evaluated on Thursday to determine his status.

For now, Madritsch has been listed as day-to-day. Even though the ailment is considered mild, a trip to the 15-day disabled list has yet to be ruled out. If he is forced to miss any time, Ryan Franklin might be asked to make a spot start or two. In 15 outings last season, including 11 starts, Madritsch went 6-3 with a 3.27 ERA and one complete game.

4/6/2005

Runelvys Hernandez, kan

After missing all of last season while recovering from reconstructive surgery on his pitching elbow, Hernandez returned to the mound for Wednesday's meeting with the Detroit Tigers, making his first major league start since August 16, 2003. The Royals' righthander, who turns 27 later this month, tossed seven solid innings, allowing just one run on five hits. He struck out three and walked three.

Hernandez got back on track after going 0-2 with a 6.23 ERA in five exhibition outings in spring training. For his career, he is 11-9 with a 4.50 ERA in 28 starts.

4/4/2005

Joey Gathright, kan

Gathright has been recalled from Triple-A Durham by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, filling the roster spot of Alex Sanchez, who was suspended for 10 days for violating the league's new drug policy. Chris Singleton is slated to start in center during Sanchez' absence, with Gathright handling the primary backup duties.

The speedy Gathright batted .326 with a .384 OBP and 33 stolen bases with Durham last year. He also appeared in 19 games with the Rays, hitting .250 with six stolen bases in 52 at-bats.

4/3/2005

Luke Hudson, kan

The Cincinnati Reds officially placed Hudson on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday with inflammation in his pitching shoulder. Before the season, the righthander was in line to grab one of the five starting spots in Cincinnati's rotation, but his ailment is likely to keep him sidelined for much of April. He went 4-2 with a 2.42 ERA in nine starts with the Reds in 2004.

Brandon Claussen will fill the No. 5 hole for the time being.