UP
Bobby Kielty hit his first career grand slam in the A’s victory over the Indians on Tuesday. Kielty, nursing a sore left hand, hit his eighth homer on the first pitch from Cliff Lee with two outs in the sixth. The A’s are 21-3 in games in which Kielty has homered over three seasons.
UP
The Mets, fielding what manager Willie Randolph called “our A-minus squad,” rallied to deal the fading Marlins their fourth straight loss. The lineup did not include anyone who started Monday night’s clincher. Julio Franco made his first start at third base since 1982.
UP
The Yankees activated right fielder Gary Sheffield from the 15-day DL list, and closer Mariano Rivera threw a bullpen session and hopes to return this weekend. Sheffield didn’t start Tuesday. Manager Joe Torre said Sheffield will play first base after the Yanks clinch AL East.
THREE DOWN
DOWN
In losing to the Twins, the Red Sox cut a 6-0 deficit in half but got no help from David Ortiz (0-for-5 with three strikeouts), who’s still one homer short of the club record of 50, set by Jimmie Foxx in 1938. Boston’s magic number for elimination from wild card dropped to four.
DOWN
Cardinals closer Jason Isringhausen will have season-ending surgery on his left hip Thursday. Isringhausen made the decision Tuesday after consultation with specialists. Isringhausen went 4-8 with a 3.55 ERA and 33 saves plus 10 blown saves this season. He last pitched Sept. 6.
DOWN
Kansas City lost to the Angels and clinched its third straight last-place finish in the AL Central, the first time that has happened in franchise history. The Royals (58-93) must win five of their last 11 games to avoid their fourth 100-loss season in five years.
