Indians part with Borowski

Cleveland Indians closer Joe Borowski, last year’s American League saves leader, was designated for assignment Friday.

The right-hander blew his fourth save in 10 chances Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox, and was 1-3 with a 7.56 earned-run average in 18 games this season.

Borowski had 45 saves last season but has struggled since returning from an arm injury.

He returned to the Indians in late May after being sidelined for about a month with a strained right triceps that caused him to lose velocity on his pitches.

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Slumping outfielder Jeff Francoeur was sent to double-A Mississippi by the Atlanta Braves to work on his hitting, with his average having dropped to .234. He batted .206 in June and is one for 12 in three games this month.

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The Colorado Rockies put first baseman Todd Helton, who has a sore back, on the 15-day disabled list and recalled Joe Koshansky from triple-A Colorado Springs.. . . . The Oakland Athletics put reliever Keith Foulke, who has inflammation in his right shoulder, on the 15-day disabled list.