Low & Outside: AL Notes

The Rangers raised their AL West championship flag in ceremonies before Monday night's game against Seattle, when they opened a season-ending seven-game homestand. Texas clinched its first division title since 1999 on Saturday.

"It's special for me, but more special for the players, that fans can see that these guys are champions," manager Ron Washington said.

Baltimore pitcher Alfredo Simon has been suspended three games and Orioles manager Buck Showalter has been penalized one game after a run-in this weekend against Toronto. Simon and Showalter also were fined undisclosed amounts by Major League Baseball after home-run leader Jose Bautista of the Blue Jays was plunked Sunday following a warning by the umpires.

Simon has appealed his penalty and can continue to play until the process is complete. Showalter missed Monday night's game at Tampa Bay. Bench coach Jeff Datz filled in.

Ozzie Guillen is all set to return in 2011 as manager of the White Sox. Guillen is already under contract for next season with a team option for 2012, but there had been speculation he would leave to join another club.

"I'm very excited," Guillen said before Monday night's game against Boston. "I want to be a White Sox for the rest of my life."

Minnesota shortstop J.J. Hardy returned to Minneapolis to have his sore left knee examined and will miss the three-game series against the Kansas City Royals. DH Jim Thome could be joining Hardy on Tuesday in Minnesota to have his sore back treated, while catcher Joe Mauer will also likely sit out the Royals' series with a tender knee.

Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton took 25 swings off a tee, ran hard in the outfield, and shagged fly balls prior to Monday night's game against the Seattle Mariners.

Next up for Hamilton is to take a regular batting practice, then get into a game - before the postseason.