UP
The Braves have exercised the team’s 2007 option on John Smoltz, ensuring the right-hander will return for his 19th season with the team. “I’m happy I know I’m going to be playing here next year,” Smoltz said before Thursday’s start. He’ll earn $8 million next year.
UP
Since joining the Brewers in a July 28 trade with the Rangers and becoming the closer, right-hander Francisco Cordero has a 0.42 earned-run average, three victories and 13 saves in as many chances. “He’s been ultra-sharp,” manager Ed Yost said.
UP
The ball David Ortiz hit for his 50th homer, tying the Red Sox record set by Jimmie Foxx in 1938, will be auctioned on the team’s Web site from starting Friday, with proceeds going to charity. The winning bidder will receive the ball, autographed, from Ortiz next weekend.
THREE DOWN
DOWN
Nearly 1,000 disgruntled Orioles fans walked out of Thursday’s game in the fourth inning, culminating a demonstration aimed at team owner Peter Angelos, who has been in charge of the team during its club-record run of nine straight losing seasons.
DOWN
Jason Giambi has a small tear in a ligament in his left wrist and will miss the Yankees’ series this weekend. “We’ll have to see how he comes out of it,” GM Brian Cashman said. “There’s no doubt he’ll be able to play through it. The question is, will he get his stroke back?”
DOWN
Reds outfielder Ryan Freel will miss the rest of the season because of a hairline fracture in his left thumb. Freel was hurt Tuesday night while diving for Luke Scott’s first-inning triple in Houston. He finished that game and started Wednesday before leaving in the fourth inning.
