Jim Joyce has been voted the best umpire in major- league baseball in a poll of 100 players conducted by ESPN the Magazine.
Joyce made national headlines when he missed a call at first base that cost Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game on June 2. After seeing a replay, the 22-year veteran acknowledged he blew the call and apologized to Galarraga.
ESPN said Sunday that 50 active players from each league were asked confidentially within the past week to select the three best umpires in baseball. Joyce was named on 53 percent of the surveys, topping Tim McClelland (34 percent).
CB Bucknor was voted the worst umpire in baseball.
Chipper Jones sidelined again.
Chipper Jones was scratched from the Braves’ lineup for their game against the Twins when his finger injury flared up.
Jones is batting just .228 this season with three homers and 22 RBIs. The 38-year-old missed five games last week with inflammation in his right ring finger.
Matsuzaka’s results OK.
Red Sox manager Terry Francona said he was encouraged by test results from injured right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka’s visit with a team doctor. Matsuzaka was scratched from his scheduled start Saturday against the Phillies and later was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained forearm. He was examined by Dr. Thomas Gill on Sunday.
“He tested out real well,” Francona said.
Footnotes.
The Yankees placed outfielder Marcus Thames (strained right hamstring) on the 15-day disabled list. . . . Tigers rookie outfielder Austin Jackson left Sunday’s game against Pittsburgh after half an inning because of back spasms.
