Baseball notebook: Strasburg’s debut solid
Top Washington Nationals prospect Stephen Strasburg won his minor league debut Sunday, throwing consistently in the 97-98 mph range over five innings for Harrisburg of the Double-A Eastern League at Altoona, Pa.
Strasburg allowed four hits and four runs – one earned – with eight strikeouts and two walks. He also delivered an RBI double in Harrisburg’s 6-4 victory over Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate Altoona for his first professional hit.
The right-hander from San Diego State was the No. 1 pick in June’s draft and signed a record $15.1 million contract with the Nationals.
Former Giants outfielder used ’roids
Former San Francisco Giants outfielder Marvin Benard admitted he used steroids during the team’s 2002 World Series season to deal with a nagging knee injury.
The 40-year-old Benard acknowledged his steroid use to the Associated Press, when he was in the Bay Area for a reunion of the Giants’ 2000 N.L. West champion team. He said he was coping with his troublesome, surgically repaired left knee at the time and thought steroids would help him stay on the field.
“Yes, I did,” Benard told the AP when asked if he took steroids. “It was what it was. I did some stupid things. I should have never done them. At the time you think you’re doing the right thing for the right reason, then you realize you made a mistake and it’s too late and you can’t take it back.”
Rangers call on Feliz to close temporarily
The Texas Rangers will go with 21-year-old right-hander Neftali Feliz as their temporary closer in place of struggling Frank Francisco.
Francisco (1-2) has blown saves in his two opportunites this season, both leading to Rangers losses, and has a 27.00 ERA in three appearances.
Notes
Infielder Rich Aurilia has formally announced his retirement after 15 major league seasons. The 38-year-old Aurilia began and ended his career with San Francisco, spending 12 years total with the Giants and helping them reach the 2002 World Series. … The Mets placed right-handed reliever Sean Green on the disabled list and purchased the contract of left-hander Raul Valdes from Triple-A Buffalo. Green has some tightness in his right side.