UP
Robb Quinlan and Vladimir Guerrero homered to back rookie Joe Saunders, and the Angels beat the Kansas City Royals. Saunders (6-3) struck out a career-high eight in seven innings, allowing one run and seven hits, and Angels rookie starters improved to 18-5 this season.
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.
