PHILLIES
Sandberg resigns as manager
PHILADELPHIA -- An emotional Ryne Sandberg resigned Friday as Phillies manager in his third season as Philadelphia struggles with the worst record in the major leagues.
Sandberg quit with a 119-159 career record over parts of three seasons leading Philadelphia. His only full season was in 2014, when the Phillies finished with a 73-89 record.
"With some changes at the top looming, I did not want to be in the way of anything happening and progress going forward," Sandberg said.
Third base coach Pete Mackanin will take over as interim manager. He's 53-53 in parts of two seasons with Pittsburgh in 2005 and Cincinnati in 2007.
The Phillies are expected to hire a new president soon. Pat Gillick is handling that role this season, but the 77-year-old Hall of Fame executive wants to return to a consulting position.
Sandberg sounded like a guy who knew he wasn't going to be part of the future so he left on his own terms after the Phillies won two of three at Yankee Stadium this week.
"Wins and losses was a big thing that took a toll on me," said Sandberg, who choked up while thanking fans for their support.
The 55-year-old Sandberg was drafted by the Phillies in 1978, but was traded to the Chicago Cubs where he became a Hall of Fame second baseman.
The Phillies gave Sandberg his first managerial job in the majors in August 2013 after they fired Charlie Manuel, who led them to the 2008 World Series title.
Entering Friday night's game against first-place Washington, the Phillies are 26-48 and trail the Nationals by 14 1/2 games in the NL East.
"Managing a team is very challenging," Sandberg said. "I enjoyed the challenge. I enjoyed coming to the ballpark every day. I had excellent work from my coaching staff. The goal was to get the most out of my players."
Philadelphia had low expectations this season, with little to no chance of contending and big challenges surrounding moving high-priced players like ace Cole Hamels, 2006 NL MVP Ryan Howard, six-time All-Star Chase Utley and star closer Jonathan Papelbon.
General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. could be next to go once a new president takes over.
"I don't think Ryne should feel that he should shoulder all the blame," Amaro said. "We win and lose as a team. I also take responsibility for the things that are happening on the field."
METS
6-man rotation in works
NEW YORK -- The New York Mets are calling up pitching prospect Steven Matz this weekend as part of their plan to return to a six-man rotation for the "foreseeable future."
General Manager Sandy Alderson made the announcement before the Mets hosted Cincinnati on Friday night.
Matz is to make his major league debut Sunday against the Reds. The 24-year-old lefty leads the Class AAA Pacific Coast League in ERA, strikeouts and innings, and is tied for the most victories.
Matz will join a talented rotation that includes Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Bartolo Colon, Noah Syndergaard and Jon Niese. Alderson says the Mets want to avoid overworking their mostly young staff and manage their innings.
Earlier this month, the Mets abandoned their try at a six-man rotation after just one turn through starters, and wound up sending Dillon Gee to the minors.
Alderson says this plan is for the "foreseeable future" and that he expects "it will continue for a period of time."
ASTROS
Singleton recalled from Fresno
HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros have recalled first baseman Jon Singleton from Class AAA Fresno and placed right-handed reliever Chad Qualls on the disabled list with a pinched nerve in his neck.
Singleton leads the Pacific Coast League with 17 home runs and his 66 RBI are tied for most in all of the minors. The 23-year-old struggled last season after making his major league debut, hitting just .168 in 95 games, and has spent all of this season with the Grizzlies.
Qualls is 1-4 with 4 saves and a 5.11 ERA in 29 appearances this season. His stint on the disabled list is retroactive to June 25.
BLUE JAYS
Travis returns from DL
TORONTO -- The Blue Jays activated rookie second baseman Devon Travis off the disabled list on Friday.
Infielder Munenori Kawasaki was optioned to Class AAA Buffalo to make room for Travis, who hasn't played since leaving a May 16 game at Houston with a sore left shoulder.
Travis was hurt when he was hit by a bad hop grounder in an April 30 game at Cleveland. The injury affected his swing, causing him to bat .189 in 53 at bats in May after batting .325 in April, when he was named AL Rookie of the Month.
Overall, Travis is hitting .271 with 7 home runs and 26 RBI in 36 games.
Kawasaki hit .200 (3 for 15) for the Blue Jays, including 2 doubles, 2 runs scored and 1 RBI.
NATIONALS
Rendon strains quadriceps
PHILADELPHIA -- The Washington Nationals have placed infielder Anthony Rendon on the 15-day disabled list and selected the contract of infielder Emmanuel Burriss from Class AAA Syracuse on Friday.
Rendon has a left quadriceps strain. His stint on the DL is retroactive to June 25. Outfielder Reed Johnson was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.
Burriss hasn't played in the majors since 2012 with San Francisco. He was hitting .278 with 3 home runs and 21 RBI for Syracuse.
Rendon returns to the disabled list for the second time this season. He's hitting .290 (20-for-69) in 18 games.
Sports on 06/27/2015