Indians
The Indians can thank their starting pitching for keeping them in playoff contention. Cleveland’s starters have recorded a 1.71 ERA in 13 games since Aug. 9. Manager Terry Francona knows securing a playoff spot won’t be easy. The Indians trail Kansas City in the AL Central and are battling several teams in the crowded wild card race. “We have our work cut out for us, but if we pitch like that we’re going to give ourselves a chance,” he said. … C Chris Gimenez was acquired from Texas for future considerations. OF Ryan Raburn (sore right wrist) started a rehab assignment at Triple-A Columbus. DH Jason Giambi (sore left knee) will likely start a rehab assignment this week.
Royals
1B Eric Hosmer was cleared to begin taking dry swings after sustaining a stress fracture in his right hand on July 20. “It feels good. It’s healed up very nicely,” Hosmer said. “We’re ready to start the hitting progression.” … Alex Gordon played in his 1,000th game for the Royals, making the 30-year-old outfielder the 10th player in franchise history to reach the milestone.
Tigers
Miguel Cabrera is dealing with an ankle problem. Cabrera has only three since June. These facts could be related. Manager Brad Ausmus said he didn’t know when Cabrera’s ankle problem first arose. That’s understandable; Cabrera showed for the final few months of last season, when he played even though he basically couldn’t run, that he can put up with a lot that he doesn’t complain about. Ausmus was asked if he believes Cabrera’s power drought could be related to his ankle problem. “I can’t answer that,” he said. “I guess it’s possible, if he can’t keep his weight back.” There’s a key element in power hitting-keeping the weight back.
Twins
Starting pitcher Yohan Pino will be unable to throw for two to four weeks after an MRI showed a minor elbow strain. Pino was recalled from Triple-A Rochester to start the a game last week and was optioned back after the start. He will be placed on the Triple-A disabled list.
White Sox
The team optioned outfielder Jordan Danks to Triple-A Charlotte. The 28-year-old Danks is batting .190 with two homers in 33 games over two stints with the White Sox this year. He hit .289 in 12 games after he was recalled from Charlotte on Aug. 9. … New York saluted White Sox captain Paul Konerko before his final regular-season game at Yankee Stadium. Derek Jeter presented Konerko with an encased and autographed base, and the two posed for photos behind home plate. Jeter and Konerko are both retiring after this season. “As far as that whole retirement thing, it is probably the highlight of the year for me so far,” said Konerko, who went 0 for 4 with three strikeouts. “Definitely a classy move by them. I certainly did not expect it.”
Compiled by Rick Crotts from wire reports.
