MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — In a possible playoff preview between division leaders, the Minnesota Twins took the opener of a weekend series with Texas by edging the Rangers 4-3 to take a four-game lead over Chicago in the AL Central. Denard (duh-NARD') Span delivered the go-ahead single in the seventh inning and Matt Capps retired the final five outs for his eighth save since joining the Twins.
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers got good news and bad news on their quarterback front yesterday. Starting QB Ben Roethlisberger's (RAWTH'-lihs-bur-gurz) suspension was reduced from six to four games, but Pittsburgh also learned that its primary backup, Byron Leftwich, could miss the first month of the season after suffering strained knee ligaments Thursday night.
DENVER (AP) — Elvis Dumervil (DOO'-mur-vill), who led the NFL with 17 sacks last season, says he won't play at all this season. The Denver Broncos' pass rusher underwent surgery last month to repair a torn chest muscle, but the team had been holding out hope he'd make a quicker than anticipated recovery and return to action in December.
NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Giants have acquired 10-year veteran backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels from the Minnesota Vikings for an undisclosed draft pick. The Giants lost backup Jim Sorgi with a shoulder injury and he was placed on injured reserve.
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Washington Nationals are confident that rookie fireballer Stephen Strasburg will make a strong recovery from Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery performed yesterday by Dr. Lewis Yokum. Strasburg will be released from the hospital today and begin rehab on Monday, but he's expected to be out of action 12 to 18 months.
