Brent Lillibridge’s first day with the Boston Red Sox had him flashing back to his first day in the big leagues.
The former Jackson High of Mill Creek and University of Washington star, acquired from the Chicago White Sox along with right-hander Zach Stewart for veteran Kevin Youkilis and cash Sunday, stood at his new locker and expressed some nervous energy that he hadn’t felt in five years.
The utility player was looking forward to a new start while getting to know his new surroundings and teammates.
“I got here pretty early. All the early guys greeted me,” he said. “I got here at 1:30 and went straight to the ballpark. I didn’t sleep too well last night. I kind of felt like I was getting called up again for the first time.”
BYRD SUSPENDED
Free agent outfielder Marlon Byrd was suspended 50 games by Major League Baseball after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.
Byrd, 34, tested positive for Tamoxifen, which can reduce side effects of steroid use and increase testosterone. It is often used to treat breast cancer patients. Byrd, in a statement released by the players’ association, said he “absolutely did not use it for performance enhancement reasons.”
Byrd finished fourth in the National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2003 with the Phillies and was a National League All-Star with the Cubs in 2010.
SHORT HOPS
The Dodgers have all but ruled out injured slugger Matt Kemp, the 20111 National League MVP, for next month’s All-Star Game because of a hamstring injury. … Mets manager Terry Collins said right-hander Bobby Parnell will serve as the team’s closer while Frank Francisco is on the 15-day disabled list with a left oblique strain. … The Reds activated center fielder Drew Stubbs (strained side) from the DL and sent outfielder Willie Harris to Triple-A Louisville … The Rockies optioned right-hander Alex White, who was college teammates with Seattle’s Dustin Ackley and Kyle Seager at North Carolina, to Triple-A Colorado Springs and recalled reliever Zach Putnam from the Sky Sox. … Rangers star Josh Hamilton said he is trying to quit a 10-year chewing tobacco habit. … The Nationals have placed outfielder Xavier Nady on the 15-day DL because of tendinitis in his right wrist and reinstated outfielder/infielder Mark DeRosa (strained left side) from the DL. … Rangers left-hander Derek Holland (shoulder, stomach virus) is going to Triple-A Round Rock for two rehabilitation starts. … Cubs first base prospect Anthony Rizzo is getting called up from Triple-A Iowa and could start today. … The Orioles released infielder Miguel Tejada from his minor league contract at his request. Tejada, the 2002 American League MVP with Oakland, hit .259 with no homers and 18 RBI in 36 games with Norfolk.
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