Injured DH Ortiz to show up for All-Star Game, won't play

From wire reports

July 1, 2008

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz plans to attend this month's All-Star Game but won't play because of his injured left wrist.

Ortiz will likely win the fan vote to be the starting American League DH. He has a partial tear of the sheath that surrounds his tendon, which he suffered while swinging during a game against the Orioles on May 31 at Camden Yards.

"I'm going to go to the All-Star Game. Show respect for the fans," Ortiz said last night before the visiting Red Sox lost, 5-4, to the Tampa Bay Rays. "I'm not going to be able to play."

Ortiz has been hitting of a tee and could move to soft toss sessions by the end of the week. He had a team-high 13 homers and 43 RBIs when he got hurt.

• More Red Sox // Left fielder Manny Ramirez said he patched things up with a team employee he reportedly shoved to the ground during an argument. The Providence Journal reported that Ramirez pushed traveling secretary Jack McCormick in the visitors' clubhouse Saturday in Houston after a dispute over tickets. ... Manager Terry Francona declined to comment on a report the team received a mailed threat targeting black and Latin players. The Boston Herald, citing unidentified sources, reported the threat was believed to be postmarked in Memphis, Tenn., and that a suspect believed to be from Baltimore but living in the Memphis area was being sought.

• Yankees // New York promoted hustling Brett Gardner from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and put him into the starting lineup, batting leadoff and playing left field in its 2-1 loss to Texas. The Yankees optioned outfielder Justin Christian to their top minor league team and also designated catcher Chris Stewart for assignment.

• More Yankees // Broadcaster Bobby Murcer, 62, is receiving medical care in Oklahoma after treatment for cancer forced him to curtail his schedule this month.

• Astros // Right-hander Shawn Chacon cleared waivers and was released by Houston, five days after a physical altercation with general manager Ed Wade in the clubhouse. Michael Weiner, the general counsel of the players association, said the union planned to file a grievance today. The union will claim the Astros improperly terminated the deal and that Chacon is owed the remaining $983,607 of his $2 million salary this year.

• Tigers // First baseman Miguel Cabrera left the team's 5-4 win over the Twins because of a tight left hip flexor. Cabrera hobbled after he reached to his left and dropped a low throw from third baseman Carlos Guillen in the second inning. He was listed as day-to-day.

• More Tigers // Crews began the process of tearing down historic Tiger Stadium. An Aug. 1 deadline stands for a nonprofit group seeking to raise funds to save part of the stadium.

• Et cetera // The Brewers activated closer Eric Gagne from the 15-day DL. Gagne had been out since May 23 because of right rotator cuff tendinitis. ... Dodgers outfielder Juan Pierre was placed on the 15-day DL after spraining a ligament in his left knee Sunday against the Angels. ... The Cardinals recalled right-hander Brad Thompson from Triple-A Memphis. ... The Indians placed right-handed reliever Scott Elarton on the restricted list for personal reasons.