mlb news & notes

Texas Rangers: Left-hander Matt Harrison is recovering from spinal fusion surgery that could potentially end his career. Harrison had a planned lumbar disk fusion in his lower back Tuesday. The team said the 28-year-old pitcher would be hospitalized at least two nights after the operation in Dallas by spine specialist Dr. Drew Dossett. After winning 18 games in 2012 and then getting a $55 million, five-year contract, Harrison made only two starts last year before two operations on a herniated disk in his back. After four starts this season, he was diagnosed with significant nerve irritation and a forward displacement of his vertebrae, known risks after the earlier procedures.

Detroit Tigers: Everybody’s favorite fictional crime-fighting cyborg has made an appearance at a Detroit Tigers game. RoboCop threw out the first pitch at Comerica Park on Tuesday evening as the Tigers hosted the Toronto Blue Jays. An announcement said RoboCop’s motorcycle was on display at the stadium and the first 10,000 fans were getting a RoboCop cheer card after getting inside. It’s part of “RoboCop Day” in honor of the DVD release of this year’s “RoboCop” remake.

Boston Red Sox: Pitcher Brandon Workman appealed a six-game suspension imposed by Major League Baseball on Tuesday for throwing near the head of Tampa Bay star Evan Longoria last week. Workman can play until the appeal process is complete, and was expected to make his scheduled start Wednesday night against the Cleveland Indians. The penalty, which also included a fine, was announced by MLB Senior Vice President Joe Garagiola Jr. Workman’s high-and-tight pitch came after the teams had been warned about further trouble.

Associated Press