Gagné Finally Coming Around for Brewers

This was not the way the 2008 season was supposed to go for Eric Gagné.

Signed to a $10-million deal during the winter to be the Brewers' closer, Gagné's early weeks with his new club were torturous at times, as he struggled to keep hitters off base.

After yet another ugly outing on May 10 against the Cardinals, Gagné's ERA had soared to 6.89, with blown saves in five of 14 opportunities.

Gagné, 32, found he had rotator cuff tendinitis, and did not pitch in the majors from May 20 to July 3.

In the meantime, Salomon Torres moved up from a set-up role to closer and began to excel.

With eight scoreless outings in 10 appearances since returning, Gagné has regained the trust of Manager Ned Yost.

"His stuff was good before, but his command was off," Yost said. "I think he was trying to overthrow. Now, he's doing a great job of staying within himself and commanding his pitches."

· PHILLIES GET EYRE: Philadelphia acquired LHP Scott Eyre from the Cubs for minor league RHP Brian Schlitter.

Eyre was 2-0 with a 7.15 ERA in 19 games over two stints with Chicago, which had designated the 36-year-old for assignment earlier this week.

· TRIBUTE FOR CARAY: Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, Braves chairman Terry McGuirk, Skip Caray's longtime broadcast partner Pete Van Wiere n and Caray's son Chip, a TBS broadcaster, are among those scheduled to speak at a tribute to Caray at Turner Field on Tuesday morning.

Caray, 68, died Sunday. He was a member of the Braves broadcast team for 33 years. The Braves also are planning to honor Caray before Tuesday night's game against the Cubs.

-- From News Services