31.   Meanwhile, Kerry Wood worked to get back into midseason form, throwing two innings in a minor league game for the Chicago Cubs in Mesa, Ariz.

32.   Seibu starter Fumiya Nishiguchi threw six innings and notched his eleventh win against eight losses.

33.   Wood tried to get back into form, throwing two innings in a minor league game for the Chicago Cubs in Mesa, Ariz.

34.   With Cincinnati Reds executives gathered around the batting cage Thursday, Rijo threw three innings of a simulated game and impressed his former team enough to earn a chance.

35.   Lloyd has thrown five innings of shutout relief for the Yankees in the playoffs, allowing only one hit while striking out five.