Jordan Makes Ranger Debut

Brian Jordan was activated from the disabled list and made his Texas Ranger debut in Tuesday’s 3-2 victory over Kansas City.

Jordan started in right field and was hitless in three at-bats. After spending the last two seasons with the Dodgers, he signed a one-year contract with Texas in the off-season for $1.375 million.

Jordan was put on the disabled list March 27 because of a sprained left knee ligament.

The Rangers also designated right-hander John Wasdin and outfielder Chad Allen for assignment. The team purchased the contract of right-hander Doug Brocail from triple-A Oklahoma and sent first baseman Mark Teixeira to the minors on a rehabilitation assignment.

Teixeira has been on the disabled list since April 13 because of a strained chest muscle.

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The Chicago Cubs’ Mark Prior threw about 50 pitches off a bullpen mound in Phoenix and came away optimistic.

“It’s as good as I’ve felt since I started rehab,” he said.

Prior has not pitched in a game this season because of an inflamed Achilles’ tendon and sore elbow.

He will remain in Arizona to continue his rehabilitation work at the Cubs’ spring training facility in Mesa. No timetable has been set for Prior’s return to the Cub rotation.

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Kansas City Royal pitcher Kevin Appier will be out at least four weeks because of a strained muscle that could be related to his elbow surgery.

Appier had surgery in the off-season for a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow.

“The muscle he strained works in conjunction with the muscle-tendon area that was surgically repaired,” trainer Nick Swartz said.

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Cincinnati outfielder Austin Kearns got a small cast on his left forearm after breaking a bone when he was hit by a pitch.

Ryan Vogelsong’s pitch hit Kearns above the wrist in the first inning Monday night in Pittsburgh.

The Reds will have a better idea of how long Kearns will be out when he is examined again Monday.

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The Boston Red Sox called up Brian Daubach from triple-A Pawtucket to replace Ellis Burks, who is expected to be out six weeks after knee surgery.