Monday, Aug. 04, 2008

A's demote ineffective Eveland

BOSTON -- The Oakland A's recalled left-hander Dan Meyer from Triple-A Sacramento and optioned Dana Eveland before Sunday's game against the Red Sox.

Eveland (7-8) lasted just two innings and gave up nine runs in Saturday's 12-2 loss, though he hasn't gotten much help even when he does pitch well.

The A's have scored two runs or fewer in 12 of Eveland's 22 starts, and he's 0-8 when that happens. He was 0-3 with a 10.59 ERA in his last four starts.

Meyer, 10-5 with a 4.48 ERA, is tied for the Pacific Coast League lead in victories. He pitched one inning of relief Sunday, throwing 14 pitches and striking out one in the eighth to finish the A's losing effort to Boston, 5-2.

ANKIEL STILL OUT -- St. Louis outfielder Rick Ankiel missed his eighth consecutive start with an abdominal strain, and wasn't sure when he'd be ready to return to the Cardinals lineup.

Batting .281 with 22 home runs and 59 RBIs, Ankiel has been limited to a pair of pinch-hit appearances since he was injured.

He struck out to end the game with the tying run on second base in a 2-1 loss to the Phillies on Saturday night, and drew a walk Tuesday at Atlanta.

ASTROS PITCHERS HURT -- Billy Wagner has a strained left forearm and will have his second MRI in two weeks Tuesday, leaving the Mets without their closer and starter John Maine.

Maine was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a mild strain in his right rotator cuff. He left last Monday's game in Florida after 4ª innings because of pain in his shoulder.

"When you lose Billy Wagner, that's very critical for us," manager Jerry Manuel said.