Angels
Managers don’t like to tinker with platoons that are working, but sometimes players can mash their way into full-time roles, as Kole Calhoun is doing. Calhoun has shared right field - and the leadoff spot - with Collin Cowgill, whose .837 on-base-plus-slugging percentage against left-handers is one reason the Angels have a much better record against left-handed starters this season than they did last season. But the left-handed-hitting Calhoun has been on a tear since May 29. “I don’t know if there’s a hotter player in our league right now than Kole Calhoun,” manager Mike Scioscia told the Los Angeles Times. “He’s seeing the ball well. He’s swinging the bat well.”
Astros
Chris Carter has been on a roll. But the slugger knows he still has a lot of work to do. “Right now things are going well for me,” said Carter. “I hope things continue working out for me like this.” From his manager Bo Porter: “You have the type of power that he possesses, you want to make sure that you get extension, you get the ball in front, and he is doing a tremendous job of that right now.”
Athletics
C Derek Norris on Jeff Samardzija, the former Chicago Cubs right-hander with the imposing 6-foot-5 frame, expansive repertoire of overpowering pitches, chronic smile, all topped off appropriately with a mullet: “I think he fits our mold pretty good. He’s crazy, outgoing, has that hair. Fits perfectly in our clubhouse.”
Mariners
Reliever Joe Beimel, who played for manager Lloyd McClendon during his first managerial stint with Pittsburgh in 2001-05, notes that he is much calmer than he used to be. Donnelly believes he’s more patient, too. But even if he no longer uproots bases, McClendon’s passion is far from dormant. “He still has that fire, and he can kick you in the butt when you need it,” Donnelly told the Seattle Times. “But with this team being young, he’s very calming, and he’s able to pull guys aside and kind of teach them. Maybe in the past, he really didn’t have the patience for that.”
Rangers
Prince Fielder is focused on healing after neck surgery and not worried about when he will play again. “I’m motivated (to play), but I just want to heal first. I’m not trying to push anything,” Fielder said. “That’s what got me in this situation now. I’m trying to be a little smarter.” It was the first time Fielder spoke since his cervical fusion of two disks in his neck on May 27. The first baseman said he is doing a little rehab, but nothing too serious or baseball-wise yet. Fielder isn’t expected to play again this season, but should be ready for spring training. … Adrian Beltre is the sixth major leaguer who played the majority of his career at third base to reach the 2,500-hit level. He joined George Brett (3,154), Wade Boggs (3,010), Brooks Robinson (2,848), Chipper Jones (2,726) and Buddy Bell (2,514).
Compiled by Rick Crotts from wire reports.
