Baseball notebook: "Everyday Eddie" Guardado to retire after 17 seasons

ARLINGTON, Texas — Rangers reliever Eddie Guardado is ready to take on a new moniker after 17 seasons in the major leagues.

The former Mariner known as "Everyday Eddie" said Friday that he is probably going to retire after this season so that he can become an "everyday daddy" to his three children, who range between 4 and 12 years old.

"I had a great ride. I've achieved more than I ever thought in my life in this game," Guardado said before Texas opened its final homestand against Tampa Bay. "I think it's time to go home and be a daddy. ... And my body's telling me, I think, a little bit too."

Guardado, who turns 39 Friday, made his 906th appearance Monday, tying Cy Young for 21st on the career list. His 187 saves are 12th among active players, and the only active left-hander with more is Billy Wagner (385).

Phillies look for closer

MILWAUKEE — The Philadelphia Phillies suddenly are auditioning potential replacements for struggling closer Brad Lidge, who has blown 11 of 42 save chances this season and has a 7.48 earned-run average.

"Our best [plan] is to have Lidge pitch the ninth," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "Right now, he hasn't been doing that effectively. And we might have to make an adjustment off of that."

Amaro said left-hander J.C. Romero and right-hander Brett Myers could be options. The team hopes both will return from injuries next week.

Notes

• Alex Rodriguez's two-run homer in the third inning was the New York Yankees' team-record 127th at new Yankee Stadium. New York hit 126 homers at old Yankee Stadium in both 2004 and 2005.

• Minnesota LHP Francisco Liriano will start Sunday, his first since Aug. 17 when he lasted only two innings against Texas and went on the disabled list with arm fatigue.

• New York Met David Wright appeared in his 836th game at third base, breaking the team's career record he shared with Howard Johnson.

• Philadelphia scratched Pedro Martinez (neck) from his scheduled start today in Milwaukee. He will be replaced by RHP Kyle Kendrick.

• San Francisco SS Edgar Renteria will have surgery on his right elbow to remove bone chips and spurs. He is expected back for spring training.

• Cincinnati 3B Scott Rolen was a late scratch from the lineup because of low back spasms. He is day to day.

• A day after its 100th loss of 2009, Washington announced it's cutting prices on some tickets for 2010. More than 3,300 seats will have lower season-ticket costs, the team said, and prices will not rise on any non-premium spots at Nationals Park.