• Athletics shortstop Bobby Crosby missed Oakland’s game against the Los Angeles Angels because of back spasms.
• The Atlanta Braves renewed outfielder Jeff Francoeur’s contract for the second year in a row after failing to agree on terms.
• Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Micah Owings skipped Monday’s scheduled start against the Rockies because of a sore shoulder. Owings said he has had soreness in the back of the shoulder previously and that he’s confident it will subside soon.
• Baltimore Orioles left-hander Troy Patton could be out for the season pending a detailed examination on his ailing shoulder this week.
• The Cincinnati Reds signed infielder Jerry Hairston Jr. and outfielder Corey Patterson to minor-league contracts.
• Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella declared this is the fifth and final stop on a managing carousel that began in 1986 with the Yankees.
“Maybe a little consulting job somewhere,” he said, “but outside of that, no, this will be it managing-wise.”
