MESA, Ariz. – Carlos Silva solidified his claim on a spot in the Cubs’ rotation with four shutout innings and Xavier Nady had a two-run double Tuesday, leading Chicago to a 4-1 victory over the Texas Rangers.
Silva gave up two singles, hit a batter and struck out three in his sharpest outing. Acquired from Seattle for Milton Bradley with two years and $25 million left on his contract, the right-hander has pitched seven scoreless innings since getting hit hard in his first game.
Nady’s RBI were his first since signing a $3.3 million contract to back up all three outfield positions. He has been limited to DH duties while recovering from Tommy John surgery on his throwing arm.
Red Sox prospect has brain surgery
Highly regarded Boston Red Sox minor league prospect Ryan Westmoreland underwent surgery in Arizona to remove a cluster of abnormal or dilated blood vessels in his brain. The team said a five-hour procedure was performed at the Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. The surgery was performed by Dr. Robert Spetzler.
Pierre, Kotsay lead White Sox’s win
Juan Pierre and Mark Kotsay each had three hits and the Chicago White Sox beat the Colorado Rockies 6-1 in Glendale, Ariz. The White Sox roughed up Aaron Cook for six runs on six hits, three walks and a hit batter in three innings. In his previous outing, he gave up five earned runs and nine hits.
White Sox prospect out for season
Chicago White Sox outfielder Jared Mitchell will miss the season after surgery on his left ankle, which he injured on an against-the-wall catch. The team said the 21-year-old prospect is expected to make a complete recovery.
Nationals’ Dunn has back spasms
Washington Nationals first baseman Adam Dunn left a game against the Florida Marlins after two innings because of a spasm in his lower back. Dunn made an error in the second inning when he bobbled a grounder in the hole by Logan Morrison. A team spokesman said the slugger was day to day.
Around the Majors
John Smoltz is joining Turner Broadcasting as an analyst. … Texas outfielder Josh Hamilton’s left hand is OK after being hit by a pitch. … Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Cory Wade is expected to miss at least three months because he needs surgery on his right shoulder. … Seattle sent second overall draft choice Dustin Ackley to Double-A West Tennessee. … Former San Diego general manager Kevin Towers has been hired as a special assignment scout by the New York Yankees. … Former major league infielder Chuck Knoblauch has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault on his common-law wife.
