ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays will wear hats with a plaid bill during pregame drills for the rest of the regular season.
Rays manager Joe Maddon said Saturday the caps have also been approved for use in a game and the team might consider doing that.
Tampa Bay’s marketing department came up with the idea after the club wore custom-made Braysers (Rays blazers) during a West Coast trip last month. The jackets, one of several themes on road trips this season, are blue-and-white plaid with a sunburst on the lapel.
Closer Aardsma sidelined
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Mariners closer David Aardsma, a Cherry Creek High School graduate, will be sidelined for two or three days because of a mild left oblique strain.
Mariners interim manager Daren Brown said the right-hander felt some soreness after his last appearance last Sunday. Aardsma, who is 0-6 with 31 saves and a 3.44 ERA in 53 games, can play catch. He has converted 15-of-16 save opportunities since the all-star break.
Astros coaches get new deals
PITTSBURGH — Each member of the Astros’ coaching staff, except for hitting coach Jeff Bagwell, has agreed to a two-year contract extension.
Bagwell replaced Sean Berry at the all-star break and committed to staying only through the end of the season. He says he wants to consult with his family before making a decision about his future.
The rest of the staff includes pitching coach Brad Arnsberg, third-base coach Dave Clark, first-base coach Bobby Meacham, bench coach Al Pedrique and bullpen coach Jamie Quirk.
Footnotes.
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire was hit in the ear by a thrown ball during batting practice, but did not appear to be seriously hurt.
A Twins spokesman said Gardenhire appeared to be OK after being hit in the right ear, and that team doctors were monitoring his condition.
• The Red Sox signed Felipe Lopez, four days after the infielder was released by the Cardinals.
