Michael Weiner won unanimous approval from the Players' Association executive board to succeed Donald Fehr as the union's head.
The board decided during a conference call Tuesday to put the decision to a vote of its full membership, which includes players, managers, coaches and trainers.
The union hired Weiner as a lawyer in 1988. He became general counsel, its No. 3 position, five years ago.
The union said it anticipates Weiner will take over from Fehr after this season. Fehr announced his intention to retire June 22, and recommended Weiner for the job.
Toronto closes book on Ryan
The Blue Jays released former closer B.J. Ryan and activated current closer Scott Downs from the 15-day disabled list yesterday.
Ryan struggled, going 1-1 with a 6.53 ERA in 25 relief appearances. The lefthander allowed 22 hits, including five home runs, and 17 walks over 202/3 innings.
Downs had been sidelined by a left big-toe injury.
Whatever you say, Skip
After getting ejected in the first inning of his team's 12-4 win at Seattle on Tuesday, Baltimore manager Dave Trembley had a couple of brief conversations with Orioles designated hitter Luke Scott.
With a two-run triple in the fourth inning and a homer with two men on board in the seventh, Scott had a career high of seven RBIs.
"Luke comes in [the clubhouse], and I said, 'Hey, get me a couple, would you?' He said, 'Skip, if they throw it across the plate, I'll have a chance.' Then he hit that triple. Then he came in again and said, 'Next time they throw it over the plate, I'm going to hit it out of the ballpark.' I said, 'You do that,' and he did."
A new approach
As he circled the bases after his two-out, 11th-inning homer that gave Tampa Bay a 3-1 home win over Toronto on Tuesday, former Phillie Pat Burrell crouched low for protection.
"If you don't go in firm, you're going to get into trouble," he said.
Noteworthy
Minnesota slugger Justin Morneau said he declined an invitation to defend his Home Run Derby title Monday in St. Louis. He said he wants to rest and would prefer to watch. Texas centerfielder Josh Hamilton, who set a record last year with 28 homers in the first round, also will sit out the event. . . . Detroit recalled outfielder Clete Thomas from triple-A Toledo and designated infielder/outfielder Don Kelly for assignment. . . . The White Sox agreed to terms with first-round pick Jared Mitchell, who led Louisiana State to the College World Series title last month. . . . The Yankees activated backup catcher Jose Molina, who had not played since May 7 because of a quadriceps injury.
Contact staff writer Kevin Tatum at 215-854-2583 or ktatum@phillynews.com.
This article contains information from the Associated Press.
