MINNEAPOLIS -- Carlos Gomez has been designated for assignment by the Houston Astros, ending a disappointing stint with the team that traded four prospects in a midseason deal last year for the two-time All-Star center fielder.
The move was made Wednesday before the game in Minnesota, where Gomez played two seasons at the beginning of his career. The Astros recalled right-handed reliever Jandel Gustave from Triple-A Fresno to fill Gomez's roster spot.
Manager A.J. Hinch described the decision as difficult, praising Gomez's attitude and effort despite the lack of production. The 30-year-old was batting .210 with 100 strikeouts in 295 at-bats and a woeful .594 on-base-plus-slugging percentage.
Blue Jays: Jose Bautista placed on 15-day DL
TORONTO -- The Toronto Blue Jays have placed slugger Jose Bautista on the 15-day disabled list because of a sprained left knee.
Toronto also recalled outfielder Junior Lake from Triple-A Buffalo.
Bautista stumbled and fell while attempting to make a throw from right field in the third inning Tuesday in a 9-2 loss to Tampa Bay. He finished the game but his knee worsened overnight, leading to an MRI on Wednesday that confirmed a Grade 1 sprain.
Rangers: Prince Fielder emotional as he ends career
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Prince Fielder wiped away tears, pointed to his two sons sitting next to him and talked about being in big league clubhouses since he was their age.
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Still wearing a neck brace 12 days after a second cervical fusion, the burly 32-year-old Fielder wept Wednesday as he said health issues were forcing him to end his 12-season career.
"To not be able to play, it's going to be tough," said Fielder, once one of the most durable players in the majors.
His sons - one who turns 12 next week and the other 10 - sat with him at the podium, mostly with their heads down and also shedding tears. They have been regulars at the ballpark with their dad, much like he often was with his father, Cecil, a slugger who played 13 seasons for five teams (see full story).
Marlins: Bonds ejected from game against Giants
MIAMI -- Barry Bonds has been ejected from the Miami Marlins' game against San Francisco for arguing about balls and strikes.
The home run king and Marlins' hitting coach was in the dugout when he was thrown out Wednesday by plate umpire Cory Blaser after Chris Johnson was called out on strikes to end the sixth inning.
Bonds then came onto the field to briefly argue further with Blaser. It was the first ejection for Bonds since he returned to the majors this year as the Marlins' hitting coach.
