Cubs’ GM Hendry claims Baker’s job safe
Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said Saturday that manager Dusty Baker’s job was safe in the wake of the team’s jaw-dropping slump. The Cubs have lost 20 of their last 24 games.
After losing three straight to the last-place Florida Marlins, the Cubs suffered perhaps their worst loss of the season Friday against the Atlanta Braves when closer Ryan Dempster gave up three ninth-inning runs as second baseman Neifi Perez made two errors on the same play in a gut-wrenching 6-5 loss.
But Hendry said Baker, who is in the final year of a four-year contract, will get a chance to haul the team out of its slump and then manage it once injured players Mark Prior, Derrek Lee and Wade Miller are back on the roster.
“I’m hearing a lot every day, every time we lose a ball game Dusty is going to get fired,” Hendry said. “That’s not going to happen. OK?”
•Cubs pitcher Mark Prior will make at least three minor league rehab starts, beginning Monday with an outing for the team’s Class A affiliate at Peoria, Ill.
El Duque debuts for Mets
Orlando Hernandez makes his New York Mets’ debut in today’s series finale against the Marlins in Miami.
El Duque, obtained Wednesday for Jorge Julio, had a 2-4 record and 6.11 ERA with Arizona.
El Duque pitched for the New York Yankees from 1998-2004, offering Willie Randolph – then a coach in the Bronx – a close-up view.
“He’s a good pitcher. That’s the only way to describe him,” Randolph said. “He’s one of the biggest big-money pitchers I’ve ever been around.”
Wells may not miss start
Boston left-hander David Wells might not miss a turn in the rotation despite leaving his last start after taking a line drive off his knee, manager Terry Francona said.
“I think there’s an outside chance he can start” Wednesday, Francona said.
Clearing the bases
Nationals outfielder Jose Guillen was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring. Washington purchased the contract of outfielder Mike Vento from Triple-A New Orleans. … Philadelphia center fielder Aaron Rowand returned from the 15-day DL to a hero’s welcome from the hometown crowd. Rowand suffered a broken nose and non-displacement fractures around his left eye after crashing into the center-field fence May 11, robbing the Mets’ Xavier Nady of a hit with the bases loaded. The Phillies won 2-0 in a rain-shortened game. … Atlanta activated left-hander Horacio Ramirez from the 15-day DL and placed catcher Brian McCann on the 15-day DL, retroactive to Wednesday, with a sprained left ankle.