Cubs Manager Lou Piniella retires after game

Chicago Cubs Manager Lou Piniella bumped up his retirement plans by six weeks and stepped down after a 16-5 loss Sunday to the Atlanta Braves.

Piniella previously announced that he would retire from managing after the 2010 season, but he accelerated his departure so he could spend more time with his ill mother in Tampa, Fla. Piniella recently took a leave from the Cubs to tend to his 90-year-old mother, and he said her health has had some “complications.”

Mike Quade, the Cubs’ third base coach, will become the interim manager. He has no major league managerial experience.

Piniella, 66, managed five teams in 23 seasons, compiling a record of 1,835-1,713. He led the Cincinnati Reds to the World Series title in 1990.

Etc.

Washington Nationals rookie right-hander Stephen Strasburg reportedly felt no discomfort in going through a normal workout routine ahead of his scheduled MRI exam Sunday. The Washington Post said Strasburg did some light throwing before the Nationals’ game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park Sunday morning after suffering a strained flexor tendon in his right forearm during Saturday’s start. … The San Francisco Giants acquired outfielder Cody Ross off waivers from the Florida Marlins. Ross hit .265 for the Marlins. … The Minnesota Twins put pitchers Kevin Slowey (triceps) and Ron Mahay (shoulder) on the disabled list. … Detroit Tigers right fielder Magglio Ordonez could miss the rest of the season because of how his broken right ankle is healing, Manager Jim Leyland said.