Royals
When the Royals rolled out of bed Tuesday morning and glanced at the standings, they saw something that hadn’t been the case since many of them were in junior high school. KC was sitting atop the AL Central and the playoffs were closer than opening day. The Royals assumed control of their division at the latest point in a season since 2003. “I haven’t experienced anything like this, a playoff run,” said OF Lorenzo Cain, who was born a year after Kansas City last made the playoffs in 1985. “I did in the minor leagues, but it’s not the same as the big leagues. It’s a lot of fun.”
Tigers
RHP Joakim Soria (left oblique strain) was placed on the 15-day DL. The Tigers also optioned left-handed relievers Patrick McCoy and Blaine Hardy to Triple-A Toledo. Taking their places are RHP Justin Miller and LHP Ian Krol. The Tigers also purchased the contract of RHP Kevin Whelan from Toledo and unconditionally released LHP Casey Crosby. Detroit’s relievers have compiled a 4.38 ERA this season, the fifth-worst in the majors. … Justin Verlander (10-11) gave up five runs on four hits and walked two before he was removed after pitching one inning vs. the Pirates with right shoulder soreness. “Just didn’t feel great,” Verlander said, “and disappointing on a night that the team really needed me.”
Twins
Joe Mauer extended his hitting streak to 13 games in his first game since missing 34 with a strained muscle on his right side. … The Twins traded veteran RHP Kevin Correia to the Dodgers for a player to be named or cash. Minnesota called up LHP Tommy Milone from Triple-A Rochester. Milone was acquired from the Athletics on the July 31 trade deadline after he requested to be moved following a demotion to the minors. He went 6-0 with a 2.62 ERA over 11 starts with the A’s when he was sent down July 5 following the trade for Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel from the Cubs.
White Sox
If you need to know what motivates Hector Noesi, check the front of his cap. After going 7 1-3 strong innings vs. the Mariners, Noesi put on a cap that read in front: “Revenge NOE.” The Mariners were the object of his attention. “When you don’t believe in somebody, you need to show them,” said Noesi, who was designated for assignment and eventually traded by Seattle to Texas this spring. The White Sox claimed him April 25 when the Rangers waived him.
Compiled by Rick Crotts from wire reports.
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