Cubs Send Patterson to Iowa

The Chicago Cubs optioned struggling center fielder Corey Patterson to triple-A Iowa on Thursday night after their eighth consecutive loss.

Patterson, who has a .168 average in 28 games since June 1, lost his job recently to Jerry Hairston after apparently falling out of favor with Manager Dusty Baker.

Jason Dubois, who was platooning in left field with Todd Hollandsworth, also was sent to Iowa. The Cubs recalled outfielders Adam Greenberg and Matt Murton from double-A Tennessee.

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Florida right-hander Josh Beckett was put on the 15-day disabled list for the ninth time in four seasons. He will miss two starts because of a strained left chest muscle. He was on the disabled list from June 15 to 30 because of a finger blister.

Beckett left Tuesday’s game against Milwaukee in the third inning and was scratched from his next scheduled start Sunday.

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The New York Yankees purchased the contract of left-hander Darrell May from triple-A Columbus to pitch today against the Cleveland Indians. He’ll start in place of Carl Pavano, who was put on the disabled list because of a sore shoulder.

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Cleveland reliever Rafael Betancourt was suspended by Major League Baseball for 10 days after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance.

Betancourt, on the disabled list since July 3 because of a shoulder injury, said he will ask the players’ association to file a grievance.