Red Sox President Larry Lucchino confirmed Thursday night that Manny Ramirez has asked for a trade, though Lucchino, speaking through Charles Steinberg, an executive vice president, significantly downplayed the relevance of the slugger’s request.
“Manny’s made the request consistently all [the] years [we’ve] been here,” Lucchino said through Steinberg. “It’s not anything unusual. It’s a right of passage. It was the fourth time.”
Lucchino, on a Boston radio station, confirmed a report in Sports Illustrated this week, citing Ramirez’s desire to leave. Lucchino in that interview said, “Our general response [to Ramirez] was, `It’s that time of year’ and we’ll explore it as we explore other trades.”
Yankees get starter
The Yankees acquired right-hander Shawn Chacon (1-7, 4.09 ERA this season) from the Rockies for two minor-leaguers, filling the opening in their injury-ravaged rotation.
Extra innings
Arbitrator Shyam Das has scheduled an Aug. 8 hearing on the players’ union grievance over Commissioner Bud Selig handing down the 20-game suspension given to Rangers pitcher Kenny Rogers instead of baseball’s vice president in charge of discipline, Bob Watson. . . . Kevin Brown went on the disabled list for the 14th time in his career and the Yankees pitcher will go to California to be examined by back expert Dr. Robert Watkins. . . . Orioles pitcher Sidney Ponson left Thursday’s game in the third inning after suffering a bruised right thumb when struck in the pitching hand by a line drive.
THURSDAY’S GAMES
RESULTS, SYNOPSIS
Minnesota 3 at New York 6
W: Small (2-0)
L: Mays (5-6)
S: Rivera (26)
Aaron Small won 2nd straight start since recall from minors, giving up 3 runs and 6 hits in 7 innings, and Gary Sheffield had 4 RBIs as Yankees pulled within 1 1/2 games of East lead.
Texas 2 at Baltimore 1
W: Loe (5-3)
L: Ray (0-2)
S: Cordero (24)
David Dellucci hit tiebreaking HR in 9th and Alfonso Soriano also connected to lead Rangers over Orioles, who have dropped 8 of 9 and are 1 game over .500 for 1st time since April 14.
Kansas City 5 at Tampa Bay 10
W: Kazmir (6-7)
L: Snyder (0-2)
Carl Crawford hit 2-run HR in 5-run 5th inning and Devil Rays overcame 5-0 deficit to beat Royals. Scott Kazmir struggled early but held K.C. to 7 hits in 7 innings for 3rd consecutive win.
Los Angeles 1 at Toronto 2
W: Walker (4-3)
L: Shields (6-6)
Orlando Hudson RBI single off Scot Shields in 18th inning ended longest game in Blue Jays history by scoring Alex Rios, who had singled with 1 out, stole 2nd and wne to 3rd on wild pitch.
Cleveland 6 at Seattle 5
W: Howry (6-2)
L: Putz (4-4)
S: Wickman (26)
Jose Hernandez hit pinch 2-out RBI single in 8th inning to score Brandon Phillips and lift Indians over Mariners. Seattle starter Gil Meche left after 3rd with tightness in throwing shoulder.
