Giving up Hank Blalock’s two-run homer in a 2-1 loss Tuesday night to the Rangers was enough to earn Yankees left-hander Wayne Franklin a trip back to Columbus.
In a move that surprised manager Joe Torre, New York optioned Franklin to its Triple-A farm team Wednesday and purchased the contract of left-hander Alex Graman.
Torre said he was informed of the move in a telephone call from general manager Brian Cashman, who wasn’t with the team in Texas.
“He says we’re going to make the switch, and that’s what we did,” Torre said.
“I have a great deal of respect for Brian. When he called and said that this is what we’re doing, that’s what we’re doing. … I work for people like everybody else.”
Franklin was 0-1 with a 12.27 ERA in five games since joining the Yankees on July 1.
“It’s not like I don’t belong here. It’s disappointing,” Franklin said. “The element of surprise is gone when it comes to baseball.”
Torre said he didn’t know if the move was based on how Graman pitched in Columbus (the converted reliever was 1-1 with a save and a 1.64 ERA in seven appearances) or on what Franklin did with the Yankees.
Extra innings
Kenny Rogers’ appeal of his 20-game suspension for shoving two TV cameramen last month is scheduled to be heard by Commissioner Bud Selig in Milwaukee on Friday, a day after the Rangers’ pitcher makes his next start.
WEDNESDAY’S GAMES
RESULTS, SYNOPSIS
Tampa Bay 4 at Boston 9
W: Wells (8-5)
L: Hendrickson (4-7)
Red Sox scored 6 runs in 1st inning as David Wells cruised to 7th win in 8 decisions, allowing 2 runs and 6 hits in 7 innings. Johnny Damon hit HR and Kevin Millar scored 3 runs for Boston.
Baltimore 2 at Minnesota 3
W: Nathan (2-3)
L: Grimsley (0-1)
Jacque Jones connected on 1st pitch he saw from Jason Grimsley, getting 2nd decisive RBI in 2 games for Twins. Rafael Palmeiro’s 2-run HR in 4th off Brad Radke accounted for Orioles’ scoring.
Kansas City 5 at Cleveland 3
W: Lima (3-8)
L: Sabathia (6-7)
S: MacDougal (13)
Jose Lima stopped winless streak on road at 14 starts as Royals sent Indians to 11th loss in 13 games. Donnie Murphy and Angel Berroa hit solo HRs off C.C. Sabathia, who lost 3rd straight.
Seattle 4 at Toronto 9
W: Chacin (9-5)
L: Franklin (5-11)
Frank Catalanotto and Shea Hillenbrand hit HRs to highlight 5-run 5th inning as Blue Jays won for just 3rd time in 9 games since Roy Halladay leg injury. Gustavo Chacin won 3rd straight start.
New York 8 at Texas 4
W: Small (1-0)
L: Benoit (1-1)
Jason Giambi and Tino Martinez hit 2 HRs and Yankees matched season high with 6 in win over Rangers. Giambi and Jorge Posada put New York ahead to stay with consecutive shots in 2nd.
Oakland 3 at Los Angeles 0
W: Zito (8-8)
L: Byrd (9-6)
S: Street (7)
Barry Zito combined with 2 relievers on 7-hitter to win 5th straight start, Mark Ellis and Mark Kotsay hit HRs and Athletics climbed within 6 1/2 games of AL West-leading Angels.
