READING, Pa. — Phillies closer Brad Lidge pitched a perfect inning at Double-A on Monday while coming back from shoulder and elbow problems.
The all-star closer and former Cherry Creek High School star hasn’t pitched in the majors this season. The 34-year-old right-hander struck out two in the sixth inning in an Eastern League game for Reading against Trenton.
Lidge made three appearances at Single-A Lakewood this season, giving up one run in three innings. He has been hoping to rejoin Philadelphia sometime after the all-star break.
A-Rod undergoes surgery
NEW YORK — Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.
The Yankees said the all-star third baseman was operated on in Miami by Dr. Lee Kaplan. Rodriguez is expected to be out four to six weeks.
Rodriguez, who turns 36 later this month, is hitting .295 with 13 home runs and 52 RBIs this season. But the three-time MVP with 626 career home runs has not connected since June 11 and has gone 85 at-bats without a homer.
Fan almost falls during derby
PHOENIX — A fan trying to catch a ball during the Home Run Derby found himself dangling over a pool deck 20 feet below after being caught by his brother and a friend.
Keith Carmickle was trying to catch a home run hit by Prince Fielder in the second round of Monday night’s derby when he stood on a metal table about 18 inches wide. He reached down to get the ball and tumbled over the rail, saved from a big fall when a friend grabbed his legs and his brother wrapped up his arms.
Footnote.
Carlos Beltran said he would be willing to approve a trade to a contending team if the New York Mets want to deal him before the July 31 nonwaiver deadline.
The Associated Press
