Closer Cordero demoted; Jays earn series split

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Francisco Cordero (CP)

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Adam Lind hit a two-run homer after being demoted from the cleanup spot before the game, and J.P. Arencibia and Edwin Encarnacion each hit a solo drive to help the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Oakland Athletics 5-2 on Wednesday.

Brandon Morrow (4-1) struck out a season-high 10 in six innings and won his fourth straight start, outpitching Tyson Ross in a matchup of former college stars from nearby California who were 2006 teammates. The Blue Jays right-hander went 23 2/3 innings without allowing a run before Jonny Gomes hit an RBI single in the fifth.

The Blue Jays bounced back after losing the opener of the quick two-game series on Brandon Inge's game-ending grand slam against Francisco Cordero, who was demoted from his closer job before Wednesday's game. Handed the ninth-inning duties by manager John Farrell, Casey Janssen finished with a 1-2-3 ninth for his first save in two tries this year.

Farrell also dropped Lind to the eighth hole in the batting order to try to generate some offence.

Blood clot in calf latest health issue for Rivera

NEW YORK -- Mariano Rivera has a blood clot in his right calf, the latest health problem for the longtime New York Yankees closer who tore a knee ligament last week while shagging fly balls during batting practice.

Rivera is on blood-thinning medication intended to dissolve the clot and says he is OK, though he was scared when he received the diagnosis. He needs to spend at least a week or two strengthening his knee before he has surgery to repair his torn anterior cruciate ligament -- but he says that would have been the case regardless of the blood clot.

The 42-year-old Rivera, baseball's career saves leader, says he will do whatever it takes to return next season. He says he was leaning toward pitching in 2013 even before the injury.

Hamilton has no plans

for historic home run ball

BALTIMORE -- Josh Hamilton has no interest in showcasing the souvenirs he received after making baseball history.

Hamilton became the 16th major leaguer to hit four home runs in a game, performing the feat Tuesday night in the Texas Rangers' 10-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles.

The slugger said Wednesday that the baseballs from his last two homers were retrieved and given to him after the game. The fourth one, he said, was authenticated.

Hamilton said he tossed the balls into his luggage at the team hotel, and has no plans to display them.

Asked to predict the fate of the fourth HR ball, Hamilton said: "It will probably end up in a closet or rolling down a slide in the backyard, the girls playing with it."

-- The Associated Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 10, 2012 C4