ESPN MLB

American League
Baltimore Orioles: The O's got their heads handed to them by the Devil Rays yesterday, which could not have sat well with new manager Lee Mazzilli. Dave Sheinin of the Washington Post writes that Mazzilli could have very easily been in the other dugout. Before they landed Lou Piniella from the Mariners in exchange for Randy Winn, the Rays were strongly considering Mazzilli for their field general spot. "It obviously worked out tremendously for this organization to be able to hire Lou Piniella," general manager Chuck LaMar told Sheinin. "But during the interview process, before we knew Lou would be available, Lee Mazzilli separated himself from the other candidates. I wouldn't have been surprised at all if Lee would've been the manager here in Tampa Bay if we had not hired Lou."

Kansas City Royals: The Royals best hope of getting a right-handed pitcher into their rotation makes a rehab start tonight. Kevin Appier is hopping on I-35 and driving to Wichita to pitch for the Double A Wranglers against the Arkansas Travelers of the Texas League. If all goes smoothly, he will rejoin the big club and pitch on Saturday in Minnesota, writes David Boyce of the Kansas City Star. "I want to pitch well and hopefully increase my endurance and arm speed," Appier told Boyce. "My arm has been feeling good, better than it has in a long, long time."

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider