Tigers second baseman Placido Polanco left Sunday’s game against Oakland in the first inning after being hit in the head by a pitch from Esteban Loaiza.
Polanco squared to bunt but couldn’t get out of the way of Loaiza’s inside pitch. The ball hit him on the left ear flap, knocking off his helmet. Results of X-rays and a CT scan were negative.
Slumping A-Rod perseveres
Alex Rodriguez went 0-for-4 Sunday and is in a 4-for-27 slump. He was back at third base after a day as the Yankees’ DH. Rodriguez maintains he is happy with his approach at the plate.
“I still feel good,” he said.
Extra innings
Sammy Sosa’s agent doesn’t expect his client to return to the majors. “I know it’s a difficult process to walk away from something you’ve loved since you were a teenager, but from everything he’s told me he’s likely played in his last game,” said Adam Katz, according to ESPN.com. . . . The Cardinals swept the Dodgers in the season series (7-0) for the first time in their 115-year rivalry. The Cardinals also set a franchise record by homering in their 19th straight game. . . . Francisco Liriano (10) and four relievers combined for 17 strikeouts against the Indians, tying a 40-year-old Twins record. . . . The Angels’ Jered Weaver beat the Royals to become the first rookie in 25 years to win his first seven starts. . . . Derrick Turnbow (0-4, 34.36 ERA in his last eight games) is out as the Brewers’ closer.
