AL Notes: Radke pitching with torn labrum

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MINNEAPOLIS -- Brad Radke's right shoulder doesn't have much left. The 12-year veteran is on the verge of retirement, but he's still trying to pitch carefully through the pain and keep the Minnesota Twins in playoff contention.

Radke, 33, has a torn labrum, and he's not considering surgery since he plans to call it quits after the season. He had a cortisone shot over the All-Star break, but the pain is so prevalent that Radke uses his left arm for simple around-the-house activities such as pouring milk.

Despite the pain he's pitching well. Since May 24, when his ERA ballooned to 7.44, Radke is 8-2 and has lowered his ERA to 4.43. In his past three outings, he is 3-0 with a 1.64 ERA over 22 innings.

"There are a lot of guys going out there hurt, too," he said. "We're not going to quit until the end."

SHORT HOPS: The Angels recalled outfielder Reggie Willits from Triple-A Salt Lake and optioned right-hander Chris Bootcheck to their top farm club. ... The Red Sox recalled lefty Craig Breslow in an effort to help their overworked and struggling bullpen. Breslow was promoted from Triple-A Pawtucket and catcher Corky Miller was designated for assignment. ... Angels outfielder Garret Anderson missed his third straight start because of tightness in his lower back. Manager Mike Scioscia said he hopes to have Anderson back in some capacity tonight at Texas. ... Angels right-hander Ervin Santana (12-6) is set to make his scheduled start tonight. Santana was knocked out of his previous outing when he was hit in the knee by a line drive. ... Blue Jays left-hander Gustavo Chacin pitched 4 2/3 innings for Class A Dunedin against Vero Beach in his final rehab start. He's expected to rejoin Toronto and start on Saturday.

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