TOLEDO, OHIO ? Injured Detroit Tigers pitcher Kenny Rogers threw three-plus innings and displayed some defensive prowess in his first rehabilitation start for Triple-A Toledo on Sunday night.

Rogers faced 13 batters and threw 51 pitches, 35 of them strikes, in the Mud Hens’ 2-1 win over the Norfolk Tides. His fastball topped out at 88 mph before he left with a 1-0 lead with two outs in the fourth inning.

Rogers struck out two and allowed three hits with no walks.

The 42-year-old left hander has been on the disabled list all season and had surgery March 30 to remove a blood clot from his left shoulder and repair arteries.

Rogers’ rehabilitation schedule has projected him rejoining the Tigers in July, but Rogers has said he hopes to return to the rotation in June.

Mets’ Alou needs exam

Detroit – New York Mets outfielder Moises Alou left the team Sunday morning to fly back home for an examination on his strained left quadriceps.

Outfielder Shawn Green is expected to be activated from the disabled list Monday. A roster spot was cleared by sending outfielder Ben Johnson to Triple-A New Orleans after the Detroit Tigers beat New York 15-7.

Pierzynski sits out game

Chicago – Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski dropped his appeal and served a one-game suspension Sunday for his conduct during a game against the New York Yankees last week.

Pierzynski pounded the plate with his bat in disgust after striking out in the eighth inning Thursday and said something to home plate umpire Bob Davidson, who ejected him. Pierzynski then flipped his helmet back at the plate.

Indians option Sowers

Cincinnati – The Cleveland Indians optioned left-hander Jeremy Sowers to Triple-A Buffalo on Sunday and recalled right-hander Matt Miller.

Sowers (1-6) allowed five runs in four innings Saturday night before the Indians went on to beat Cincinnati 8-6 in 11 innings.

Astros call up lefty

Chicago – The Houston Astros called up left-handed pitcher Mark McLemore from Triple-A Round Rock and sent catcher Humberto Quintero outright to the minor league club before Sunday’s game against the Chicago White Sox.