NL | Jason Isringhausen pitched hurt, Cardinals say

Jason Isringhausen pitched three times after cutting his pitching hand, apparently from striking a television in frustration, before the St. Louis Cardinals placed their bedraggled closer on the 15-day disabled list.

The team admitted on Friday that the injury made for an easier decision about what to do with Isringhausen, their ninth-inning specialist since 2001 who has six blown saves in 17 chances and an 8.00 earned-run average. The move came a day after Isringhausen gave up a three-run, go-ahead home run to Jason Bay in the eighth inning of an 11-5 loss to the Pirates, although Isringhausen worked a pair of scoreless innings earlier in the week.

"You know what? He's not effective right now, so something's bothering him," general manager John Mozeliak said. "I think medically right now, that's part of it. Are there other aspects that are affecting him as well? I'm sure there are."

Isringhausen, 32 for 34 in save opportunities last year, has been stuck on 292 career saves since May 5, absorbing three losses and three blown saves in his last five outings, and lasted only one-third of an inning on Thursday.

Atlanta: LHP Chuck James was sent to the minors for the third time, and RH reliever Phil Stockman was recalled from Class AAA Richmond.

Colorado: LF Matt Holliday was removed from the starting lineup because of tightness in his lower back.

Florida: 1B Mike Jacobs, who has been held out of the starting lineup since May 7 because of tightness in his right thigh, said he hopes to start today.

Houston: RH reliever Geoff Geary was placed on the 15-day DL Friday with a strained right groin, and RHP Fernando Nieve was recalled from Class AAA Round Rock.

Milwaukee: LHP Zach Jackson was recalled from Class AAA, while LH reliever Mitch Stetter was sent to Nashville.

New York: The players' union has filed a grievance over the collapse of C Yorvit Torrealba's talks with the Mets last fall. Torrealba and the Mets reached a preliminary agreement on a $14.4 million, three-year contract last November, a deal that was subject to a physical and never was publicly confirmed by the team. New York said several days later it had ended negotiations with Torrealba, leading to speculation that a medical exam left the Mets with concerns about his throwing shoulder.

San Francisco: Peter Magowan, 66, is stepping down as managing partner of the Giants. He will retire from his duties at the end of the season on Oct. 1 but maintain an ownership stake.

Washington: 1B Dmitri Young (sprained lower back) was activated from the 15-day DL and went 1 for 4 as a designated hitter.

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