Death of brother causes Gardenhire to miss series

MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire will miss the three-game weekend series against Detroit after his older brother died suddenly at his Oklahoma home.

Mike Gardenhire, 55, died on Thursday, prompting Ron Gardenhire to return to his home state to be with his family for the funeral.

The cause of death was not announced.

"He's going through a lot," said Twins third base coach Scott Ullger, who will fill in as manager in Gardenhire's absence. "He was really torn up about it. The suddenness of it all, you can't prepare for that."

Cubs' Piniella says slumping Wood is 'our closer'

Kerry Wood

Relief Pitcher
Chicago Cubs

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2008 Season StatsGMWLBBKERA14213134.80 Lou Piniella is not making a call to the bullpen.

Posada out at least five weeks with shoulder injury

NEW YORK -- Jorge Posada stood in front of his locker, his right shoulder wrapped in bandages following treatment.

The good news was the New York Yankees catcher didn't need an operation now. The bad news was that he will be sidelined for at least five weeks.

"I thought I was going to have to get surgery. We're going to look at that option probably after the season," Posada said before Friday night's game against the Seattle Mariners.

Soriano comes off DL, bats leadoff vs. Brewers

CHICAGO -- Left fielder Alfonso Soriano was activated from the 15-day disabled list Thursday and returned to the Chicago Cubs' lineup as their leadoff hitter against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Bavasi, architect of Series-winning Dodgers, dies

LOS ANGELES -- Buzzie Bavasi, who built Dodgers teams that won the four World Series titles in Brooklyn and Los Angeles, died Thursday. He was 93.

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Cards' Mulder gives up nine in fourth rehab start

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- St. Louis Cardinals left-hander Mark Mulder gave up nine runs in his fourth rehabilitation start, an indication he's far from ready to return from September shoulder surgery.

Cleanup sitter: A-Rod makes rare DL appearance

NEW YORK -- Alex Rodriguez was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with a strained right quadriceps, leaving another major hole in the New York Yankees lineup.

Worth Every Dollar

Since signing his record-setting contract with the Rangers, Alex Rodriguez has shown up for work almost every day.