Michael Cuddyer rapped out a career-high-tying four hits, including an RBI single in the first inning to drive in the Twins’ first run in a 6-2 win over the Athletics. Cuddyer finished just a homer short of the cycle. He scored an insurance run in the seventh on Torii Hunter’s hit.
Tigers relievers Joel Zumaya (finger) and Fernando Rodney (shoulder) played catch for the first time since both were injured. “Feels good, man,” Zumaya said before the Tigers’ game in Seattle. The team hopes both will return to the bullpen by Sept. 1.
The Mets started off the second half with a bang as Jose Reyes and Ruben Gotay hit back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the first off Bronson Arroyo in a 3-2 win over the Reds. It was the first time the feat has happened in the 46-season history of the Mets.
THREE DOWN
Julio Franco’s run to play until he turns 50 years old hit a speed bump. The Mets designated Franco, 48, for assignment. He hit just .200 in 50 at-bats with one homer and eight RBIs, mostly as a pinch-hitter. Outfielder Lastings Milledge, 22, was called up to take Franco’s spot.
Blue Jays starter Roy Halladay allowed the first four Red Sox batters to reach as Boston batted around in a four-run first. Halladay settled down after the rough start but only pitched four innings and had more than three walks for the first time in more than three years.
Athletics pitcher Rich Harden returned to the disabled list with a strained right shoulder, and the team has no timeline for his return. He has the same injury that landed him on the DL for over two months earlier this season.
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Compiled by Mike Pankow
