Quote: "I didn't know what happened. The bat just fell apart. As soon as I hit the ball, I saw something fly off my bat. I hit it right on the button." -- Dean Palmer of the Rangers, who broke his bat with a fifth-inning homer.

It's a fact: The Rangers have scored 43 runs in Todd Stottlemyre's four starts.

Who's hot: The Blue Jays' Jose Cruz has a 15-game hitting streak.

Who's not: The Devil Rays' Roberto Hernandez has blown eight saves in 29 chances.

On deck: The Royals hope pitchers Kevin Appier (shoulder surgery) and Glendon Rusch (left rotator cuff tendinitis) might rejoin the club by the end of the month. Both have been given rehabilitation assignments with Triple-A Omaha.

Pub Date: 8/22/98