MIAMI — Marlins rookie Scott Cousins has been receiving death threats despite repeatedly apologizing for a season-ending collision with Giants star Buster Posey.
The collision at home plate May 25 left Posey with a broken bone in his lower left leg and three torn ligaments in his ankle.
Giants general manager Brian Sabean criticized Cousins on his weekly radio show this week, calling the play malicious.
“He chose to be a hero, in my mind,” Sabean said. “If that’s his flash of fame, that’s as good as it’s going to get, pal. We’ll have a long memory.”
Those comments got the attention of Major League Baseball, and executive vice president of baseball operations Joe Torre spoke with Sabean on Friday. The Giants also issued a statement saying Sabean’s comments were made out of frustration, and the GM was trying to contact Cousins.
“I hope and believe that Mr. Sabean’s comments were made in the heat of the moment and are based more on his fondness for Buster Posey than on any animosity towards me,” Cousins said. “This situation is still an open wound for many, including myself. As I have stated previously, nobody outside of Buster feels worse about his injury than I do.”
Cousins said he’s tried to contact Posey but has been unsuccessful.
Dice-K facing reconstructive elbow surgery
BOSTON — The Red Sox transferred right- hander Daisuke Matsuzaka from the 15- to the 60-day disabled list amid reports he has decided to have reconstructive elbow surgery that could sideline him at least 12 months.
The Red Sox also appear to have lost left-handed reliever Rich Hill for the season. He has a damaged ligament in his pitching elbow and, like Matsuzaka, likely will have Tommy John surgery. Boston placed him on the 15-day DL and called up left-hander Tommy Hottovy from Triple-A Pawtucket.
Footnotes.
White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko was a late scratch after having a minor medical procedure to dislodge a loose fragment in his left wrist.
• Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner (oblique) will swing off a batting tee today.
• The Tigers placed third baseman Brandon Inge (mononucleosis) on the 15-day DL and recalled catcher Omir Santos from Triple-A Toledo.
