The blood clots that went from Aaron Cook’s shoulder to his lungs might threaten his career. That’s the least of his concerns right now.
After 10 days in the hospital with a potentially life-threatening condition, the Rockies pitcher was just glad to be up and walking around again.
“I just got out of the hospital yesterday, and the most important thing right now is my health,” Cook said Tuesday. “If I have the chance to play baseball again, so be it. I’m still alive.”
Cook was sent to Rose Medical Center on Aug. 8 after becoming light-headed and having trouble catching his breath while pitching against Cincinnati. Tests revealed Cook had blood clots in his lungs and was immediately put on blood thinners to get rid of the clots. Further tests showed the clots originated in his throwing shoulder.
Dreifort may be done for year
Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Darren Dreifort was diagnosed with a torn ligament in his right knee, an injury that could sideline him for the rest of the year. Dr. Frank Jobe strongly suggested season-ending surgery but said the injury is not career-threatening.
Extra innings
The Padres released Rod Beck, 36, who was 0-2 with a 6.38 ERA. . . . Andy Pettitte’s next start for the Astros has been pushed back to Saturday against the Cubs because of a sore left elbow. . . . The Expos’ Sun-Woo Kim became the 408th pitcher to allow a homer to Barry Bonds, who ranks third (691) on the career homers list with 691. . . . Eric Milton returned to Philadelphia after surveying the damage Hurricane Charley did to his home in Ft. Myers, Fla.
TUESDAY’S GAMES
RESULTS, SYNOPSIS
Houston 5 at Philadelphia 0
W: Oswalt (13-8)
L: Wolf (5-8)
Randy Wolf retired 8 straight before falling apart in 4th. Raul Chavez, who had 12 RBIs in 107 ABs, hit 3-run double in Astros’ 5-run 4th. Phils lost 5th in row, under .500 for 1st time since May 7.
Cincinnati 2 at St. Louis 7
W: Eldred (3-0)
L: Graves (1-5)
Tony Womack scored go-ahead run on bases-loaded walk in 8th, Larry Walker hit next pitch for grand slam as Cards moved to 13-2 vs. Reds. Walker (3-for-4) is 10-for-27 with 11 RBIs for Cardinals.
N.Y. Mets 4 at Colorado 6
W: Jennings (11-10)
L: Wheeler (3-1)
S: Chacon (30) Vinny Castilla drove in his 100th run with 3rd-inning single that tied it 3-3. Matt Holliday’s HR in 6th put Rockies ahead to stay. Mets’ Victor Zambrano left in 2nd (elbow inflammation).
Pittsburgh 7 at Arizona 1
W: Vogelsong (4-9)
L: Randolph (2-3) Craig Wilson and Ty Wigginton each homered in Pirates’ 4th win in row. Rob Mackowiak hit pinch-hit RBI triple in 8th. Luis Terrero hit 1st ML HR for D’backs, who lost 16th of 17.
Atlanta 6 at San Diego 11
W: Peavy (9-3)
L: Wright (11-6) Jake Peavy had 9 Ks, allowed just 2 hits with no walks and retired final 10 batters in 7 IP. Braves’ Chipper Jones hit HR in 5th straight game. Jaret Wright lost for 1st time in 15 starts since May 22.
Florida 1 at Los Angeles 6
W: Alvarez (7-3)
L: Burnett (3-6) Wilson Alvarez won 4th straight decision, and Steve Finley and Adrian Beltre each hit HR and drove in 2 runs for Dodgers. In 14 games with L.A., Finley is 19-for-42 with 2 HRs and 10 RBIs.
Montreal 4 at San Francisco 5
W: Hermanson (5-5)
L: Ayala (4-9) J.T. Snow hit game-winning RBI single in 9th for Giants’ 6th win in row. Barry Bonds hit 2 HRs, his 67th mulithomer game of career, tying him with Mark McGwire for 2nd behind Babe Ruth (72).
