Tidbits from around the league.
Former Cleveland Indians' Kelly Shoppach hits a home run off Chicago White Sox in 2009. Speed kills
On Aug. 14, former Indian Kelly Shoppach hit two home runs for the Rays. They were just his second and third homers of the season, but as he did in Cleveland, Shoppach sprinted around the bases each time.
Manager Joe Maddon liked what he saw. He told reporters after the game, "Very impressive. He's much faster there as opposed to going from first to third on a base hit."
Three is not the charm
The season is probably over for Boston center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury, who is suffering from fractured ribs for the third time this season. Here's a look at Ellsbury's rib trifecta:
April 11: Collided with teammate Adrian Beltre chasing a foul ball in Kansas City. Beltre accidentally kneed him in the ribs and Ellsbury went on the disabled list.
May 22: Ellsbury returned from the disabled list. He played three games, but on May 25 he was examined and another fracture of the ribs was found.
Aug. 13: After rejoining the lineup on Aug. 4, Ellsbury collided with Texas pitcher Tommy Hunter at first base on Aug. 13. He refractured one of the previously broken ribs and was placed on the disabled list the next day.
Ellsbury, Boston's leadoff hitter, has played just 18 games this year.
Role reversal
When last we left Brandon Phillips and the Reds, Phillips was running his mouth and Reds were getting knocked out of first place in the NL Central courtesy of a three-game sweep by the Cardinals. Things have changed.
After watching the Cardinals take over first, the Reds have won seven straight, while the Cardinals have lost five of six. The hot streak gave Cincinnati a four-game lead in the division.