Blue Jays Might Lose Mondesi for Season

Frank Castillo won his seventh consecutive decision as the Toronto Blue Jays ended their six-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory over the Texas Rangers on Thursday night, but news regarding ailing right fielder Raul Mondesi wasn’t as positive.

Mondesi’s injured right elbow might cost him the rest of the season.

“I don’t want to lose my career for two months,” said the former Dodger, who has ligament damage and chips in the elbow. “I want to help the team win but I can’t.”

Mondesi has been told by three doctors that he needs surgery. The 29-year-old, batting .272 with 24 homers and 67 runs batted in, can’t even straighten out his right arm.

Mondesi said he can either have the surgery now and not miss the start of next season, or wait until after the season and be out until May.

He said he would see how it feels in a week and then decide.

“I want to play 10 more years,” he said.

Mondesi, on the 15-day disabled list, played a light game of catch before the game.

As far as Thursday’s game, the victory by Castillo (8-5) kept him unbeaten since June 1. The right-hander gave up only one run on four hits in seven innings. He struck out four and didn’t walk a batter.

New York 3, Kansas City 2--Paul O’Neill’s RBI single in the ninth inning gave the Yankees a victory over the Royals in New York. The game was delayed for three hours at the start because of rain and didn’t end until 1:55 a.m.

Luis Polonia walked leading off the ninth, took second on Derek Jeter’s comebacker off Jerry Spradlin (4-4) and scored on O’Neill’s single to left.

Mariano Rivera (5-3) pitched a hitless ninth for the victory.

Cleveland 5, Tampa Bay 1--Jason Bere pitched another strong game for the Indians, giving up four hits in eight innings, as they defeated the Devil Rays at St. Petersburg, Fla.

Bere (2-0) has won both his starts since being acquired Friday in a seven-player deal with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Bere struck out eight and walked two. He benefited from strong defensive support, including two double plays started by first baseman Jim Thome.