Anthony Reyes, who has lost 12 consecutive regular-season decisions, was optioned to the minors by the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday to make room for Braden Looper in the rotation.
Reyes’ losing streak matched Bill Kissinger’s franchise record set from 1896-97. The right-hander, who dominated the Detroit Tigers in winning the World Series opener last fall, has a 6.40 ERA.
“It is what it is. I can’t do anything about it besides pitch, so that’s what I’m going to do,” said Reyes, who is 0-10 and hasn’t won a regular-season game since Sept. 6.
Pirates: Left-hander Zach Duke was told he doesn’t have structural damage in his sore left elbow, but he plans to seek a second opinion from an elbow specialist later this week.
Athletics: Right-hander Justin Duchscherer will undergo season-ending surgery on his injured right hip.
Phillies: Reliever Matt Smith will undergo season- ending Tommy John surgery on his left elbow.
Right-hander Freddy Garcia (shoulder) began light tossing, the start of a rehab manager Charlie Manuel said he expects to last up to two months.
Mets: Left-hander Oliver Perez (back) was put on the 15-day DL, while left-hander Jason Vargas was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans. Vargas is to start against the Rockies tonight.
Marlins: Florida brought up left-handed pitcher Erasmo Ramirez from Albuquerque and optioned outfielder Brett Carroll to the Triple-A affiliate.
White Sox: Outfielder Scott Podsednik is going back on the DL because of a rib cage injury, a week after he returned from nearly two months on the DL because of a strained adductor muscle.
Rangers: Texas activated right-hander Brandon McCarthy and put second baseman Ian Kinsler (foot) on the DL.
