Luis Salazar returns to the dugout as manager of the Lynchburg Hillcats of the Carolina League. Salazar lost an eye when struck by a foul ball during a Braves spring training game on March 9th, but has impressed everyone by his good spirits and quick recovery from what could have been a fatal injury.

Matt Harrison is helped by some clutch defense as the Rangers defeat the Yankees, 5 – 3, in New York. Harrison’s teammates tie an American League record by turning six double plays behind him, to move his record to 3-0 on the year; the pitcher starts two of the twin killings himself.

The Cardinals rout the Dodgers, 11 – 2, with a 19-hit attack. It is the first time in 81 years that the Cardinals have gotten 14 or more hits in five straight games. Lance Berkman homers twice.

At a news conference in which he announces that P Pedro Feliciano is lost for the season because of impending shoulder surgery, Yankees GM Brian Cashman lashes out at former manager Joe Torre for his handling of pitchers. He blames Torre for chronically overusing relievers such as Scott Proctor, thereby ruining their careers. Feliciano led the National League in games pitched three consecutive years while with the New York Mets prior to joining the Yankees, although Torre had nothing to do with that.

Cliff Lee does his best Roy Halladay impression in shutting out the Nationals, 4 – 0, with a twelve-strikeout, three-hit performance; Halladay hurled a complete game victory over the Nats yesterday. Carlos Ruiz gives Lee the only run he needs when he leads off the 6th with a home run; Washington starter Jordan Zimmermann had set down the first 15 Phillies batters in order until that blast.

The Rockies complete a four-game sweep of the Mets by taking both ends of a doubleheader at Citi Field, 5 – 4 and 9 – 4. Troy Tulowitzki leads Colorado’s offense by homering in all four games and going 10 for 16 with 8 RBI in the series.

The Twins place Joe Mauer on the disabled list with weakness in his leg, apparently a consequence of the knee surgery he underwent following the 2010 season. Drew Butera and Steve Holm will vainly attempt to fill the All-Star catcher’s shoes in his absence.

Chipper Jones spoils Florida’s bid for a shutout when he homers in the bottom of the ninth inning of the Braves’ 5-1 loss at Turner Field. The Atlanta third baseman joins Eddie Murray (1,917) and Mickey Mantle (1,509) in becoming only the third switch hitter in major league history to compile 1,500 RBIs.

After four days of deliberation, the jury in the Trial of Barry Bonds returns a guilty verdict on the charge of obstruction of justice, while failing to reach a decision on the three charges of perjury the slugger was also facing. Barry Bonds faces up to 10 years in jail for the felony conviction, although probation is a more likely; Judge Susan Illston may however decide to re-try the three charges which resulted in a hung jury.

The Rangers’ excellent but injury-prone outfielder, Josh Hamilton, is headed back to the disabled list after fracturing his humerus bone just below the shoulder while sliding at home in the 1st inning of today’s game with Detroit. Hamilton is out on the scoring attempt, and the Tigers go on to win the game, 5 – 4, when Miguel Cabrera singles off Darren O’Day with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the 9th to break a 4 – 4 tie.