Notes

DIAMONDBACKS

Bolsinger to make first start

Former Arkansas Razorbacks pitcher Mike Bolsinger will make his first career start for the Arizona Diamondbacks today in Los Angeles against the Dodgers.

Bolsinger, who had gone 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA in two starts for Class AAA Reno this season, was called up by the Diamondbacks on Monday. He made a relief appearance in the Diamondbacks’ 7-3 loss to the New York Mets on Monday, allowing 2 runs (both earned) on 6 hits with 2 walks and 3 strikeouts in3 innings.

He seemed to struggle with his command in that relief appearance, going to three-ball counts on six of the 17 batters he faced. It may have been a case of nerves, it may have been unfamiliar surroundings, but after the game, Bolsinger was careful not to make excuses.

“That’s just something you’ve got to get used to,” Bolsinger, the Diamondbacks’ 15th round selection in the 2010 draft, told the Arizona Republic. “When I first got to Reno, that was a big difference, especially going from being in [Class AA], where it’s really muggy outside, to being in Reno, where it’s really dry. It’s just something you’ve got to get used to.”

Bolsinger was happy, though, to get his first major-league experience under his belt in advance of today’s start.

“I think that’s big,” he said. “If I went into the start at Dodger Stadium, it would have been 10 days off since the last time I pitched. I’ve had this routine down, and I think it’s big to get this out of the way, to go out there and get the nerves out and go out there for the next one and go after it.”

ROYALS Dyson out, Paredes in

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Royals have placed outfielder Jarrod Dyson on the bereavement list and recalled versatile Jimmy Paredes from Class AAA Omaha.

The Royals were already thin in the outfield after placing Lorenzo Cain on the disabled list with a strained groined earlier in the week.

Kansas City made the moves before Friday night’s game against Minnesota.

Manager Ned Yost said he expects Dyson to return Monday in Cleveland.

Paredes was claimed off waivers from Baltimore in February, and was hitting .319 at Omaha. Yost views him as capable of playing second base, third base and any of the outfield spots.

In other injury news, Royals left-hander Bruce Chen said he’s ready to pitch against the Twins today. He had his regular turn pushed back from Thursday because of a sore back.

NATIONALS Cedeno called up

WASHINGTON - Left-handed reliever Xavier Cedeno has been recalled by the Washington Nationals from Class AAA Syracuse.

To make room on the roster for Cedeno before Friday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Nationals optioned right-handed reliever Blake Treinen to Syracuse.

Treinen allowed one earned run in 6 2/3 innings since making his major league debut last weekend.

Cedeno has pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings for Syracuse this season. He has a 5.40 ERA in 45 innings in the majors, including 11 games with Washington last season. The Nationals acquired him from the Houston Astros in a trade in April 2013.

RANGERS Scheppers on DL

ARLINGTON, Texas - Texas Rangers right-hander Tanner Scheppers has been put on the disabled list because of elbow inflammation after moving into the rotation from the bullpen and making four starts.

Scheppers said Friday he’s had discomfort in his pitching elbow since the end of last season, when he led the team with 76 appearances in his second season in the bullpen.

General Manager Jon Daniels said an MRI showed no structural damage. Scheppers will take 10 days off, then start a throwing program.

Scheppers was Texas’ opening day starter because Yu Darvish had a neck strain, Scheppers is 0-1 with a 9.82 ERA.

Texas selected the contract of left-hander Aaron Poreda from Class AAA Round Rock and made room for him on the 40-man roster by designating infielder Andy Parrino for assignment.

REDS Spasms take out Phillips

CHICAGO - Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips left Friday’s game against the Chicago Cubs because of back spasms.

Phillips appeared to get hurt swinging and missing during in the first inning. After a visit from Manager Bryan Price and a trainer, Phillips singled.

Phillips struck out in the third, and the Reds said they replaced him with Ramon Santiago in the bottom half as a precaution.

Sports, Pages 24 on 04/19/2014

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