ST. LOUIS — Minutes after walking into the Cardinals’ clubhouse, Mark DeRosa was already getting tips from Albert Pujols.
Manager Tony La Russa had him batting cleanup behind Pujols and DeRosa was happy to be with an NL Central contender after half a season in the American League.
“I just want to be a piece to the puzzle,” DeRosa said Sunday. “I’m excited to be here and to be back in the National League and be a part of a division race.”
La Russa said acquiring DeRosa, a key player for the Cubs from 2007-08, was huge.
“We’ve been struggling,” La Russa said. “For a while we’ve been having guys leave the park not happy, and adding a bat will help them relax some.”
Tigers’ Robertson goes on DL
HOUSTON — The Tigers placed left-handed pitcher Nate Robertson on the 15-day disabled list with what they’re calling “a mass” in his left elbow and purchased the contract of left-hander Fu-Te Ni from Triple-A Toledo.
Footnotes.
The Rangers have put left-hander Matt Harrison on the DL with left shoulder inflammation for the second time this season and recalled right- hander Tommy Hunter from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
• The Athletics reinstated infielder Mark Ellis from the DL before their game against the Rockies and optioned first baseman Daric Barton to Triple-A Sacramento to clear a spot on the roster.
• The Orioles placed right- hander Koji Uehara on the 15-day DL and recalled pitcher David Hernandez from Triple-A Norfolk.
• The Indians activated infielder Asdrubal Cabrera from the 15-day DL.
• The Nationals activated pitcher Scott Olsen from the 15-day DL and optioned right- hander Shairon Martis to Triple-A Syracuse.
• The Mariners acquired outfielder Ryan Langerhans from the Nationals in a trade for outfielder Mike Morse.
The Associated Press
