Angels
Middle relievers are the offensive linemen of baseball, guys who toil in relative anonymity until something goes wrong, like a holding penalty on a key fourth-quarter play. “I have absolutely no problem with that,” said reliever Kevin Jepsen told the Los Angeles Times. “If you don’t know I was in the game, it means I did my job. If I’m getting exposure on television or in the paper, that means I blew the game. I don’t need that attention.” … Jered Weaver ended a career-worst streak in which he had allowed a home run in seven consecutive starts. … The Angels requested waivers on 19-year veteran outfielder and designated hitter Raul Ibanez for the purpose of giving him his unconditional release.
Astros
SS Carlos Correa, taken first overall in the 2012 draft by the Astros, left a game with Class A Lancaster with a right ankle injury, which occurred while sliding. He will go on the DL. GM Jeff Luhnow told MLB.com: “I’m very confident this is not the type of injury that will have long-lasting effects. The biggest effect it will have is that he will miss some time in the short term. Being 19 years old and the special talents that he has, I don’t expect this to be much more than a blip on the radar and just a timing thing more than anything else.”… Rookie George Springer hit his team-leading 14th home run Tuesday.
Athletics
RF Josh Reddick, who missed 20 games after hyper extending his right knee, was back on the roster. He spent four days on an injury rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Sacramento and said the injured knee was no issue. … The A’s left 1B Kyle Blanks back in the Bay Area, putting him on the DL and hoping in two weeks’ his troublesome strained left calf muscle calms.
Mariners
The team signed high school standout Alex Jackson, their first-round pick from the amateur draft. Jackson was regarded as the best high school position player available in the draft. Jackson was a star at Rancho Bernardo High School near San Diego. He batted .400 with 11 home runs in his senior season after hitting 14 homers as a junior and 17 as a sophomore. His 45 career homers are tied for the most in CIF San Diego Section history. The lingering question with Jackson will be his position after he spent most of his time in high school as a catcher. He’s expected to start his career with the Mariners as an outfielder.
Rangers
All signs point to the rash of injuries catching up to this team as it has been forced to fill holes with young and inexperienced players. But somehow, there is still optimism throughout the clubhouse. “We’re not giving up by any means,” 3B Adrian Beltre told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “We cannot look back and feel sorry for ourselves because of all the injuries. Oakland is playing well, the Angels are too, but there’s a long way to go. We believe we can somehow find a way to get back.” … Mitch Moreland had season-ending surgery on his left ankle in Charlotte, N.C.
Compiled by Rick Crotts from wire reports.
