Here's what's happening around baseball

• Remember when Hank Blalock was a ballyhooed prospect? It's been a while, but the ex-Ranger is still only 29 and has been tearing it up for the Rays' Triple-A affiliate (.375, 23 RBI, .987 OPS) this season. Blalock agreed to a minor league deal with Tampa Bay during spring training when he couldn't find work elsewhere, and now that we're into the second week of May, it seems the charms of minor league life are wearing thin.

Blalock's agent, Scott Boras, hinted Tuesday that the player might activate the out clause in his contract next week if he isn't called up. That presents a quandary for the Rays. They could try to trade him, but their leverage might be hurt by the fact that Blalock could be there for the taking on the open market if he opts out. Or they could finally give up on the Pat Burrell fiasco (.229 average, .679 OPS), swallowing what remains of the disappointing DH's $9 million salary this year and kicking him to the curb to make room for Blalock.

• Apparently because Jose Valverde toiled in anonymity in Houston before heading to Detroit and playing a nationally televised game against the Yankees on Monday, no one had previously noticed that he gets a bit animated between pitches. Thankfully, the employers and teammates of Joba Chamberlain mostly took the high road when asked about Valverde's histrionics, sticking to not-quite-rips like Mark Teixeira's: "That's not the way I choose to play, but I didn't write any rules, I'm not going to enforce any rules and I'm not going to be the one to start complaining about it."

• Angels lefty Scott Kazmir had a lengthy closed-door session with manager Mike Scioscia and pitching coach Mike Butcher on Wednesday but will remain in the team's rotation. Kazmir's ERA actually came down to 6.82 in his loss to Tampa Bay on Tuesday night, but obviously problems remain. The brain trust assigned Kazmir some new drills they hope will get him on track and he'll take the ball again Monday in Texas.

• After a crowd of just over 12,000 witnessed Dallas Braden's perfect game in person, the A's are doing all they can to try and use the perfecto to boost attendance on their next homestand. Series against the Mariners and Giants from May 17-23 will feature a bevy of giveaways and promotions related to Braden's gem, from tickets priced at $2.09 (a nod to Braden's hometown area code in nearby Stockton) to a commemorative poster giveaway to a pregame ceremony that will feature Braden's fiery grandmother throwing out the first pitch.

The Injury Ward

• Carlos Ruiz had to leave the Phillies' doubleheader opener against the Rockies in the fourth inning with a right knee injury. He appeared to injure himself while running the bases.

• Jason Marquis wasn't very effective in a rehab start Tuesday night, and things got worse Wednesday morning. The pitcher's elbow "locked up" and he likely will need surgery to remove bone chips -- a procedure that could cost him another eight to 10 weeks.

• The news never seems to get better for Brad Lidge these days. The Phillies' erstwhile closer left the team and headed back to Philadelphia for further examination as he continued to feel stiffness in his surgically repaired elbow.

• Seattle put shortstop Jack Wilson on the disabled list, retroactive to May 6, with a right hamstring strain and recalled Matt Tuiasosopo from Triple-A.

• Andruw Jones was a late scratch from the White Sox lineup Wednesday due to a stiff neck.

• The Blue Jays scratched Aaron Hill with a tight right hamstring, giving John McDonald the start in Boston.

• Pittsburgh's Ronny Cedeno suffered a bruise but no fracture in his right wrist after being hit by a Johnny Cueto pitch Tuesday night. He's day-to-day.

• Braves shortstop Yunel Escobar is slated for one rehab game Friday in Triple-A before returning to active duty Saturday.

• Veteran reliever Juan Cruz, a free agent after being cut by the Royals earlier this year, will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery Wednesday.

Transaction Wire

• Updating a previous item, the Orioles purchased the contract of veteran outfielder Corey Patterson and promptly penciled him in atop their lineup Wednesday. Nolan Reimold was sent back to Triple-A to clear a spot for Patterson on the active roster and Brian Roberts was shifted to the 60-day disabled list to open a 40-man spot.

• Desperately in need of bullpen depth, the Tigers called up Alfredo Figaro from Triple-A before Wednesday's doubleheader against the Yankees. Adding Figaro and sending outfielder Ryan Raburn back to Toledo as the corresponding move gives Detroit 13 pitchers and 12 position players on its roster.

• Colorado reinstated Carlos Gonzalez from the bereavement list in time for Wednesday's doubleheader, putting Franklin Morales on the disabled list to clear a roster spot.

• Outfielder Greg Golson got the call to join the Yankees on Wednesday, not Juan Miranda as reported Tuesday. Golson takes the roster spot of Alfredo Aceves, who went on the DL with back problems.

• Arizona recalled right-hander Carlos Rosa from Triple-A and optioned Daniel Stange back to Reno.

• The Twins reinstated lefty reliever Jose Mijares from the disabled list, where he had resided since April 17 with an elbow strain. Catcher Wilson Ramos was optioned to Triple-A to clear a spot.

• The Royals called up right-hander Blake Wood from Triple-A Omaha, with Josh Rupe the odd man out.

• The Rockies released Tim Redding from their Triple-A affiliate in Colorado Springs. UPDATE: That was quick; the Denver Post reports Redding has agreed to a minor league deal with the Yankees.

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