Blue Jays Put Wells on DL

All-Star outfielder Vernon Wells was put on the 15-day disabled list by the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday because of a strained right calf.

The Blue Jays activated second baseman Orlando Hudson before Wednesday night’s game at San Francisco. He had been out since May 28 because of tightness in his left hamstring. Wells joins slugger Carlos Delgado on the disabled list, leaving the Blue Jays without their top two power threats.

“It’s unfortunate it happened,” said Wells, on the disabled list for only the second time since his first full major league season in 2001. “It’s part of the game and you’ve just got to roll with the punches. I was hoping it would just be a couple of days and the soreness and swelling would get out of there. That’s not possible.”

In 64 games, Wells is batting .300 with nine home runs and 30 RBIs. The Blue Jays are last in the AL East and struggling to score runs.

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San Francisco Giant closer Robb Nen is determined to save his career, no matter how long it takes him to get healthy.

Nen rejoined his San Francisco teammates after spending a month at home in Southern California to rest his troublesome throwing shoulder.

Nen’s shoulder isn’t hurting, but the Giants refuse to take a chance too soon and haven’t established a new rehabilitation program for the three-time All-Star. He will continue to take time off for now.

“Rest is the thing we’re going to do now,” said Nen, who has been watching games on TV, doing cardio workouts to stay in shape and “clearing my mind a little bit.”

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The Montreal Expos activated outfielder Carl Everett from the 15-day disabled list. He missed 14 games after being put on the DL May 30 because of a sprained left ankle. Outfielder Matt Cepicky was optioned to triple-A Edmonton.

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The Florida Marlins demoted left-hander Tommy Phelps to triple-A Albuquerque after two weeks of inconsistency. Phelps was ineffective in three of his last four outings, his ERA rising from 2.05 to 4.76.

To take Phelps’ spot in the bullpen, the Marlins purchased the contract of right-handed journeyman Josias Manzanillo from Albuquerque.

Manzanillo, 36, has played with 11 organizations in his 21-year career. He was 0-2 with a 12.66 ERA last season with the Cincinnati Reds.

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The Texas Rangers put right-hander Juan Dominguez on the 15-day disabled list and recalled left-hander Nick Bierbrodt from triple-A Oklahoma.

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Goose Gossage and Fernando Valenzuela will manage top minor leaguers in the Futures game during All-Star weekend at Houston.

Gossage, a nine-time All-Star pitcher, will guide the U.S. team. Valenzuela, a six-time All-Star pitcher, will run the World squad.