Ump leaves hospital, returns to hometown

St. Petersburg, Fla. Plate umpire Steve Rippley was released from Bayfront Medical Center early Saturday, a day after being hit in the left temple by a ball during a game between Oakland and Tampa Bay.

A re-examination of X-rays found Rippley has a slight non-displaced fracture. Surgery was not required.

Rippley went home to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Saturday, where he is expected to stay for the next 10 days.

Kevin Kelley replaced Rippley for Saturday night’s game between the Athletics and Devil Rays and worked second base.

Tigers activate Easley, place Cruz on DL

Detroit Detroit Tigers infielder Damion Easley was activated from the 15-day disabled list Saturday. Easley had been on the DL since April 17 with a pulled left oblique muscle.

Outfielder Jacob Cruz was put on the 15-day DL with inflammation in his right knee. Cruz has hit .279 with two home runs and six RBIs in 33 games for Detroit this season.