According to the Miami Herald, the Marlins acquired LHP Arthur Rhodes from the Mariners so they can bring in a lefty who gets lefties out:

“Renyel Pinto, who gets hit harder by lefties than by right-handers, and Mark Hendrickson, a starter-turned-long-reliever, are the only lefties in the bullpen. Former first-round draft pick Taylor Tankersley was supposed to fill that role, but he has been such a disappointment that the Marlins sent him to Triple A Albuquerque (N.M.) and made left-handed relief one of their priorities as the trading deadline approached.  Left-handers are hitting .195 against Rhodes, who was 2-1 with a 2.86 ERA with Seattle.”

The Nationals release of veteran players turned them into MLB’s youngest team, just in time for the team photo.  Two of those young players, Elijah Dukes and Lastings Milledge, knocked out two hits Friday night, the former adding a double while the latter homered.

Clint Sammons performance with the bat allowed the Braves to DFA Corky Miller, especially once they learned Brian McCann was cleared to pinch hit.  I hope they don’t rush McCann back too quickly, however.  Ryan Church should serve as an example here.

Phillies RHP Cole Hamels says he’s not hurt.  His catcher notes the real problem with the pitcher, in a quote from the Philadelphia Daily News:

“Carlos Ruiz had a different view.  ‘I don’t see anything different. He’s still got good stuff,’ the catcher said.  ‘But his best pitch is his changeup and he’s been leaving it up [in the strike zone] in the last two games.’

Hamels allowed eight home runs in his last five starts.

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