MLB roundup: Mott to have Tommy John surgery
St. Louis Cardinals closer Jason Motte, who had a league-leading 42 saves last season, will need Tommy John surgery to repair his injured elbow, the St. Louis Post Dispatch reported.
Motte will miss the remainder of this season and will likely be out for at least part of next season as well.
Motte had a 2.75 ERA last season, but he was shut down in mid-March because of elbow problems. An MRI exam two weeks later revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament.
Mitchell Boggs struggled attempting to replace Motte as the closer, and he has been replaced in that role by Edward Mujica.
The Cardinals also placed second baseman Neil Walker has been placed on the disabled list. He hasn't played since April 27 when he was spiked on the right hand, which required six stitches.
---Pitcher Jose Contreras, who had Tommy John surgery at age 41 last year, has been called up by the Pittsburgh Pirates after six minor-league appearances. The Pirates demoted Jared Hughes to Triple-A.
--Cincinnati Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto's recovery from a strained lat muscle is on hold because of oblique muscle soreness. He will be examined again Monday, MLB.com reported.
---Mark Teahen, who was acquired by the Cincinnati Reds from the Arizona Diamondbacks recently, has been sent back to Arizona, because of unspecified issues with his physical. He is currently playing in Triple-A.
---Outfielder Shane Victorino avoided the disabled list and has rejoined the Boston Red Sox's lineup after sitting out the past seven games with a back injury.
---Collin Cowgill, who was the New York Mets' starting center fielder on Opening Day, was demoted to Triple-A. The Mets called up Andrew Brown.
---Major League Baseball announced that it will air the first day of its 2013 First-Year Player Draft on June 6 on the MLB Network. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET. It will also broadcast a draft preview show, simulcast on MLB.com, at 6 p.m.
The Houston Astros will have the first overall pick. The draft order is based on reverse order of last year's finish.
