Minnesota’s Hocking hurt in celebration

Minneapolis Twins utility infielder Denny Hocking will miss the AL championship series against Anaheim after injuring the middle finger on his throwing hand during a postgame celebration. Infielder David Lamb will take Hocking’s place on the roster.

Moments after Hocking caught the final out in Sunday’s 5-4 victory over Oakland in Game 5 of the AL division series, the Twins piled on each other in the middle of the field.

A teammate, whom Hocking believed was Jacque Jones, stepped on the middle finger of Hocking’s right hand, splitting the nail in two places.

Cuban pitcher Contreras with immigration officials

New York Cuban pitcher Jose Contreras is in the United States and under the control of immigration authorities after defecting last week while in Mexico.

Contreras, coach Miguel Valdez and his 19-year-old son were being held at an Immigration and Naturalization Service detention facility in San Diego on Monday, spokeswoman Lauren Mack said.

Contreras, who turns 31 in December, was considered by many major league scouts as the best pitcher in Cuba.

Rolen expected to miss series against Giants

St. Louis St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Scott Rolen has been all but ruled out for the National League Championship Series.

“Judging right now, we’re not optimistic,” trainer Barry Weinberg said Monday.

Rolen sprained his left shoulder Thursday in Game 2 of the Divisional Series.