SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — On a night the Washington Nationals welcomed back slugger Bryce Harper, the team learned it will be without reliever Ryan Mattheus after he broke his hand punching a locker.DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers acquired Jeff Baker from the Chicago Cubs for two minor leaguers to be named later.
Baker, who has played first base, second base and in the outfield this year, hit .269 in 54 games for the Cubs.
He gives the Tigers some extra depth and another right-handed hitter.
His role will likely be similar to that of Ryan Raburn. Raburn is on the disabled list with a sprained right thumb, and he’s hitting .172.
Around the league
Boston acquired third baseman Danny Valencia from Minnesota for minor league outfielder Jeremias Pineda, who was playing in Class A. … Oakland right-hander A.J. Griffin was placed on the 15-day disabled (strained right shoulder) and outfielder Michael Taylor was optioned to Triple-A. … Actor Charlie Sheen, a lifelong Reds fan, pledged to donate $50,000 to the team’s Community Fund, matching the amount broadcaster Marty Brennaman raised for charity in return for having his head shaved on the field. … Right-hander Carlos Villanueva left Toronto for personal reasons, and right-hander Jesse Chavez was optioned to Triple-A. … Texas All-Star shortstop Elvis Andrus left in the ninth inning Sunday with pain in his right shoulder. … Rookie right-hander Miles Mikolas was recalled by San Diego from Triple-A Tucson.
