Twins 8 – 5 Royals
The Twins defeat the Royals 8-5. Mauer has three RBI’s and Vargas and Suzuki each add two-run home runs. Milone:
The guys had my back, especially scoring right after they scored in the first inning. You get that breath of fresh air, and go back out there and try to battle and keep your team in the game.
Hunter on Vargas’ home run
That was a bullet. I was in awe. I didn’t see David Ortiz hit nothing like that. That was impressive. I’m glad to see him start to come around and swing the bat well and be that threat we know he can be.
Athletics 3-2 Dodgers
The Athletics wins 3-2 against the Dodgers. Luke Carlin hits the game winner single. Pitcher Sonny Gray throws three scoreless innings. Coach Melvin:
Some of these guys are coming over from mini-camp, they’re getting a chance to play in these games and have a say in the finish of it.
Out for season
Wheeler is having Tommy John surgery after being diagnosed with a fully torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow. He will miss the entire season.
We had been forewarned by the doctor that his elbow was a concern and it was going to have to be managed over the course of this season. It wasn’t clear that the ligament was involved at that time, but we understood we were going to have to manage his elbow condition over the course of the season. So when he complained of the elbow pain, it wasn’t a surprise to us…We’re still digesting the injury to Zack and really have not started to address that issue.
Dominates Brewers
Zito helps the A’s beat the Brewers 5-2. The pitcher allows one hit, throws four scoreless innings for the team.
I felt great, just throwing strikes, attacking the zone.
On his chances of entering the team based on other players’ injuries:
I know people have said things like that, but I don’t know. I’ve got an A’s uni on right now, I’ve just got to stay in the present moment, give it my all to the team every time.
Joins Cubs
Maddon signs to the Cubs from Tampa Bay Rays, for a five-year, $25 Million contract that is “loaded with incentives”