"It was cool. I'm happy for him," Justin Upton said after Arizona beat the Phils. "It's a big night for the family."
An understatement, to be sure, but maybe the brothers are used to this kind of coincidence. Each hit his 99th homer on July 20. Almost makes one think they planned it this way.
The Royal treatment
The Kansas City Royals, who at 44-61 hold the worst record in the American League, have shaken up their staff by firing first base coach Doug Sisson.
Sisson joined the Royals' staff on Oct. 21, 2010. Prior to that, he was their minor- league field coordinator for two years. He was replaced by Rusty Kuntz, who was a special assistant to the general manager.
Marlins' woes continue
For the second time this season, Marlins speedster Emilio Bonifacio is on the disabled list because of a left thumb sprain, another big loss for the club this disappointing season.
Bonifacio reinjured his thumb Friday night against the Nationals, and the Fish placed the 27-year-old second baseman and leadoff batter on the disabled list Saturday afternoon.
Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen said Bonifacio, who had 30 stolen bases and was hitting .261 in 61 games, will be missed. "I think this kid is the glue of the team," Guillen said. "You can see a lot of long faces out there."
Bonifacio initially jammed the thumb May 18 at Cleveland. Two days later, he was placed on the disabled list. On May 25, he had surgery to repair a ligament tear. Replacing him on the roster is infielder Nick Green from triple-A New Orleans.
Around the bigs
The Orioles on Saturday designated veteran Endy Chavez for assignment and promoted another veteran, outfielder Nate McLouth, to the big-league club.
Chavez batted just .190 with a .222 on-base percentage in 47 games this season with Baltimore, his fourth club since 2008. The 34-year-old tallied two home runs and eight RBIs in 121 at-bats.
McLouth, an all-star and Gold Glove winner in 2008, signed with the Orioles on June 5, five days after he was let go by the Pirates. He hit .244 with 10 homers and 33 RBIs in 47 games at triple-A Norfolk
The Nationals acquired 28-year-old catcher Kurt Suzuki from the Athletics for minor-league catcher David Freitas. Washington wanted to shore up the catching spot after the loss of Wilson Ramos with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
This article contains information from Inquirer wire services.
