Angels
LHP Joe Thatcher (left ankle sprain) remains behind schedule and has yet to throw a bullpen session. The Angels may just wait the extra week and activate him when rosters are expanded. … INF Grant Green (lower back strain) could start a rehab assignment soon.
Astros
Reliever Tony Sipp, who had allowed just 10 walks in his previous 41 innings, walked all four batters he faced in the ninth to push Oakland’s lead to 4-2. “Tony Sipp has been good all year,” manager Bo Porter said. “It’s one of those things where he lost command. Obviously, those guys were patient enough that they waited it out and took the walks that were given to them.”
Athletics
Manager Bob Melvin said INF Nick Punto (hamstring) is making progress and has been taking grounders. Melvin didn’t give a timetable on Punto’s return, but said he’s “starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel with him.” … Oakland acquired C Geovany Soto from Texas for cash. He was brought in because of C John Jaso’s continued problems with concussion-like symptoms. Soto will earn $620,455 for the remainder of this season.
Mariners
Roenis Elias has been a pleasant surprise this season. Lately though, the rookie hasn’t been able to find his early season form. That is cause for worry. Elias labored through five innings, struggling to find his command, and Seattle dropped the opener of a three-game set against the Rangers. “He was his own worst enemy tonight,” skipper Lloyd McClendon said. “He battled all night with his stuff, his command. I’m not sure what’s going on — can’t quite put my finger on it, but we’ve got to get it straightened out.” Despite walking four, Elias (9-11) was able to limit the Rangers to one run. The rookie stranded runners in scoring position in three innings before giving way to the bullpen after tossing 101 pitches.
Rangers
OF Shin-Soo Choo (bone spurs left elbow) is gone for the rest of the season. “By the end of October, he would be 100 percent and have a completely normal … offseason,” general manager Jon Daniels said, explaining why the last-place Rangers didn’t want to wait until after the season. “We want everything, from a health standpoint, we want 100 percent for 2015.” Manager Ron Washington wouldn’t use the injuries as an excuse for Choo’s sub-par performance, saying that Choo wouldn’t either. But Washington said that Choo showed admirable resolve in dealing with the injuries and struggles. “In this game, sometimes when things go south it’s hard to correct,” Washington said. … There is increasing doubt RHP Yu Darvish will return this season, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Compiled by Rick Crotts from wire reports.
