Bonds’ still chasing Hammerin’ Hank
Barry Bonds hit his 730th career homer Monday, a tying two-run shot in the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds.
The homer was Bonds’ fifth in his last six games, extending his hitting streak to eight games overall. It also pulled the San Francisco Giants into a 4-all tie.
His first career homer off Aaron Harang left him 25 away from Hank Aaron’s career record of 755. He is three shy of Aaron’s National League mark. It was Bonds’ 22nd homer overall this season.
Heart okay for Giles
Tests determined that Marcus Giles has a healthy heart and he can keep playing baseball, a huge relief to the Atlanta Braves and their second baseman after he was told he might have a heart defect.
On Saturday, the infielder missed a doubleheader against the Phillies and visited a Philadelphia hospital, where he said he was told he might have a heart defect. He returned to Atlanta on Sunday for medical tests, and was cleared to play.
Clemens exits early
Roger Clemens left Houston’s game against Philadelphia because of a strained right groin after allowing one hit in five innings.
The Astros said the 44-year-old right-hander is day to day.
Pinch-hitting for Clemens, Charlton Jimerson hit a pinch-hit home run in his first major league at-bat and broke up Cole Hamels’ perfect game attempt.
Clearing the bases
Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran underwent an MRI exam to make sure his left knee is only bruised, and he was out of the lineup for the second consecutive game. … Mariano Rivera will miss the New York Yankees’ three-game series with Kansas City this week because of a muscle strain near his right elbow but could be back by the weekend. … The Boston Red Sox welcomed back left fielder Manny Ramirez, catcher Jason Varitek and right fielder Trot Nixon to its lineup against the Chicago White Sox. … Minnesota Twins rookie Francisco Liriano reported no problems throwing, and the star left-hander could rejoin the rotation before the middle of the month. … San Francisco Giants catcher Eliezer Alfonzo was hit on the back of the left arm by Aaron Harang’s up-and-in fastball, forcing him to leave the game against the Cincinnati Reds with a bruise. … Florida Marlins manager Joe Girardi said his pregnant wife’s labor is scheduled to be induced Tuesday morning, and he expects to be at the ballpark in time for his team’s night game against Arizona. … Minnesota Twins commentator Bert Blyleven was suspended for two telecasts for accidentally using two profanities on the air during a pregame segment.