ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — All- star third baseman Evan Longoria hopes to get out of his hitting funk by moving to the top of the Rays’ lineup.
Longoria normally hits third or fourth, but was in the leadoff spot for Saturday’s game against the Indians.
The slugger, who entered Saturday mired in a 4-for-33 slide, had two hits in four at-bats — including a home run in the third inning. It was his first home run and RBI this season at home.
Longoria said manager Joe Maddon told him to “get back having fun playing the game, and this is a way to do it.”
Twins put Nathan on DL
MINNEAPOLIS — The Twins decided to place right-handed reliever Joe Nathan on the disabled list because of soreness in his surgically repaired elbow.
Manager Ron Gardenhire said the team hasn’t decided which pitcher to call up from the minors to take Nathan’s place in the bullpen.
Footnotes.
The Astros placed left-hander Wandy Rodriguez on the 15-day DL and called up Jordan Lyles from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
• Giants reliever Santiago Casilla returned from the 15- day DL after missing all but opening day with an inflamed right elbow.
• The Pirates placed left- handed reliever Joe Beimel on the 15-day DL with left elbow inflammation and recalled lefty Daniel Moskos from Triple-A Indianapolis.
• The Nationals recalled right-hander Collin Balester from Triple-A Syracuse.
• The Tigers optioned rookie reliever Adam Wilk to Triple- A Toledo, opening a roster spot for newly acquired reliever David Purcey.
• The Reds called up left- hander Jeremy Horst from Triple-A Louisville.
