MLB investigates Rockies’ humidor

Denver Major league baseball has sent an official to investigate a temperature-controlled environmental chamber used by the Colorado Rockies for storing baseballs, according to a published report.

Though baseball is satisfied with the chamber’s purpose of preventing the balls from drying out, the commissioner’s office indicated that it was disappointed the Rockies built and used the chamber without taking necessary steps for approval. The Rockies didn’t disclose that they were using the device until Tuesday.

The chamber, which works much like a cigar humidor, is designed to keep balls from drying out and shrinking in the low humidity of Denver. The idea is to make the balls easier to grip for pitchers and harder for batters to hit home runs.

Palmeiro leaves game

Arlington, Texas Rafael Palmeiro left the Texas Rangers’ game Sunday against Detroit with a strained right calf muscle sustained while running the bases. Palmeiro walked off the field under his own power. The Rangers said he was day-to-day.

Rangers demote rookie

Arlington, Texas The Texas Rangers optioned rookie third baseman Hank Blalock to Triple-A Oklahoma on Sunday to make room for pitcher Chan Ho Park, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list. Blalock batted .200 with a homer and six RBIs in 32 games. The Rangers also said they hope to activate outfielder Juan Gonzalez later this week. He will begin extended spring training games Monday in Port Charlotte, Fla.

Nevin out with injury

Atlanta San Diego first baseman Phil Nevin missed Sunday’s game against Atlanta because of a sprained ligament in his left elbow. Nevin had an MRI exam Sunday. He said he hurt the elbow late last month and has struggled with it.

Twins activate Ortiz from disabled list

Minneapolis The Minnesota Twins activated designated hitter David Ortiz from the disabled list following Sunday’s game against the New York Yankees and optioned Matthew LeCroy to Triple-A Edmonton.

Ortiz, whose career has been slowed by injuries, has been out since April 19 with a bone chip in his left knee that required arthroscopic surgery. He’s batting .236.

LeCroy batted .322 with two homers and eight RBIs.

Shattered glass pane delays Expos game

Montreal Montreal’s Brad Wilkerson’s foul ball shattered a glass behind home plate, causing an 8-minute delay in the second inning of Sunday’s finale of a three-game series against San Francisco.

With runners on first and second, Wilkerson fouled Russ Ortiz’s 3-1 pitch back and shattered a pane of glass in the field-level club directly behind home plate.

The Giants remained on the field and Ortiz threw pitches to keep loose as the game was interrupted while the Olympic Stadium grounds crew swept up shards of the thick broken glass that had fallen out onto the field.

No one was injured as a result of the mishap and the only person who was struck by the debris was unfazed by the incident.