David Ortiz' six-game rehab assignment ended with a whimper Wednesday night, when the slugger had only two at-bats in a rain-delayed game for the Red Sox' Portland affiliate. But Ortiz said his wrist feels extremely good, and the Red Sox seem convinced that Ortiz is ready to go because he will likely start Friday night against the Yankees.
Both Jon Rauch and Randy Wolf were dealt Wednesday, just nine days before the trade deadline. Rauch headed west to Arizona at an extremely low cost, and will attempt to sure up the Diamondbacks' shaky bullpen, where he will initially serve as the set-up man. In a much more confusing move, the struggling Astros acquired free agent-to-be Randy Wolf from the Padres. Houston will now have to pay over two million the rest of the year for basically a 6-10 rental player.
Despite eight dominant innings from Johan Santana, the Mets lost to the Phillies 8-6 Tuesday night because of their bullpen. The six-run ninth was highlighted by a pair of two run doubles from So Taguchi and Jimmy Rollins, who had the benefit of not having to face Billy Wagner (out with a muscle spasm in his shoulder). Of note: Joe Blanton was unimpressive in his Philadelphia debut - allowing five runs. Brett Myers hopes to do better in his return Wednesday.
After being placed on the DL Monday with a lingering shoulder problem, Jorge Posada is considering undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. Before the former All-Star makes a decision, he will attempt to complete a rehab program conducted by the trainer of the Mets. Better news for the Yankees comes with the announcement from Hideki Matsui that he will not undergo surgery on his knee, but doesn't know when he will return to the team.
Both the Brewers and Cardinals completed sweeps of San Francisco and San Diego, repectively. The Brewers roughed Tim Lincecum up for his first home loss and Aaron Miles hit the first game-winning hit of his career with a ninth inning game-winning grand slam for the Cardinals. The Cubs now lead Milwaukee by three games and St. Louis by two, but figure to receive some relief when the Brewers and Cardinals face off Monday night in St. Louis.
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