Jason Isringhausen Is Alive, And Pitching?

With just a few weeks left before the Mets are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, they turned to a familiar arm to pump some life (Ensure?) into their bullpen. Jason Isringhausen was called upon to help the group of struggling relievers who have the fourth worst ERA in baseball to go with the matching fourth worst WAR. So Terry Collins was obviously pretty excited about his new weapon...

"I'd like to get him in the fire," Collins said.

He did just that. Isringhausen entered with two runners on in the seventh and retired both batters he faced, getting pinch-hitter Todd Helton on a soft fly to center to end the inning.

After keeping the score tied at 4, Isringhausen pumped his fist as he walked off the mound. He flashed a smile and was greeted warmly by teammates in the dugout.

The 38-year-old pitcher brings his 84-year-old right arm, featuring three Tommy Johns, to a pen featuring household names Pedro Beato, Tim Byrdak and Ryota Igarashi. This could be a good opportunity for Isringhausen since the Mets need somebody to keep K-Rod from finishing enough games to vest his option. Unfortunately, I'm guessing Izzy only has about 4.2 innings left in that arm before another injury.

Curveballs for Jobu

Curveballs for Jobu is Offbasepercentage's daily trip around the ballparks.

Today's honorary bat boy is Yamil Benitez and he's here because of my recent obsession with the Montreal Expos. Even @Montreal_Expos thinks it's getting out of hand.

Hey kids, I'm covering Jobu today because Derwood is mad at me for not being able to patch him through on the podcast last night. I couldn't figure out how to work the software but I wasn't supposed to host either. I'd post a link but you're probably better off not listening to me say "um" and "Mike Trout" for an hour.

Red Sox 6, Angels 0. The Angels are 11-20 against the AL East and get killed by the Red Sox (0-8). The Halos left 9 runners on base doing some of their better anticlutch work this season. Ryan Kalish hit a grand slam off of Jered Weaver hoping to give Jon Lester the edge for second place in Cy Young voting. But I still have a glimmer of post season hope because...

Rays 10, Rangers 1. Matt Garza tossed 7 shutout innings and struck out 10. Carl Crawford was a double shy of the cycle. Pedro Strop pitched some "relief" for the Rangers throwing 35 pitches in 1.1 innings. He made the most of it though giving up 5 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks. When asked about Strop, Ron Washington said, "Who now?"

Phillies 9, Giants 3. Chase Utley's glorious return to the lineup wasn't exactly effective as the best second baseman in baseball went 0-5. The Phils smacked around Barry Zito and Chris Ray for 8 of the 9 runs. Blog favorite Buster Posey went 2-4. Jose Guillen hit his first homer as a Giant so it's just a matter of time before he yells at his first Giant.

Astros 4, Mets 3. Hunter Pence hit 2 home runs and all 4 RBI off of Johan Santana for the win. K-Rod had surgery for a torn ligament in his hand from punching his father-in-law and probably won't be getting paid for the rest of the season. The good news is Rodriguez extended his no punches thrown streak to 5 days.

Dodgers 6, Rockies 0. Brad Hawpe: DNP. It's doubtful Hawpe and his poor fielding will make it to the weekend as a Rockie.